66th Republic day celebrated in Bengal

KOLKATA: The 66th Republic Day was today celebrated in West Bengal with enthusiasm with the state government stressing its commitment to the sovereign, secular, democratic, republic credentials of the country.

In Kolkata, Governor K N Tripathi hoisted the tricolour and presided over the march past of armed and police forces at Red Road.

Colourful parade and procession with decorated tableaux portraying the state's culture and heritage were highlights of the programme, which was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet colleagues.

Students from Darjeeling in north Bengal and Sunderbans in south Bengal took part in the colourful programe. Various developmental programs of the government were also showcased in the parade.

The programme was also attended by senior officials of Army, Navy and AirForce.

"On this Republic Day let us again rededicate ourselves to being a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic," Mamata Banerjee tweeted.