Majority of non-BJP ruled states unrepresented at Republic Day

NEW DELHI: Majority of non-BJP ruled states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, were among the 13 states that went unrepresented in showcasing their heritage through tableaux at the 66th Republic Day celebrations here today.

Rajasthan and Punjab, where BJP is in power or shares power with its ally Shiromani Akali Dal, were surprisingly not among the 16 states that displayed their rich culture through their tableaux.

Some of the north-eastern states of Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram, besides Himachal Pradesh and NCT of Delhi also went unrepresented at the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital that saw US President Barack Obama as the first-ever American President to be the chief guest.

No tableaux from among any of the Union Territories in the country rode past the Rajpath at the celebrations.

Among the 25 colourful tableaux from 16 states and other Central government departments that depicted the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the country also showcased some of the new schemes enunciated by the NDA government.

Some of these include Prime Ministers Narendra Modi's pet projects like ' Make in India' aimed at promoting manufacturing sector, Jan Dhan Yojna for financial inclusion of all, ' Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme for saving and educating the girl child, 'Save Ganga' project for saving river Ganga from pollution and promotion of alternative medicine system besides introduction of bullet trains.

Telangana, which was the latest state to be carved out of Andhra Pradesh last year, made its debut at the Republic Day celebrations through its tableau with the theme "Bonaalu" - the illustrious state festival celebrated to worship Mahankali Goddess.

The "Jan Dhan Yojna" was highlighted in the tableau which displayed the various facilities available for the people by the Department of Financial Services of Finance Ministry.

The "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" scheme launched recently by the Prime Minister to create awareness in saving the girl child was put up by the Ministry of Women and Child Development with the theme "Bhavishya Hamara Hai".

The Clean Ganga initiative was highlighted in the floral tableau of Central PWD department under the theme "Maa Ganga" where "Gaumukh" a beautiful landscape of North India was depicted with waters of river Ganga trickling down from the glaciers.

The Ministry of Law and Justice also came out with its tableau for the first time under the theme "Walk for Justice" highlighting the Lok Adalats.

The Ministry of AYUSH representing Indian Systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy highlighted the alternative medical system through its tableau with theme "Ayush for holistic health".

The tableau depicts Yoga system with 'Yogaacharyas' performing 'Yogasanas'. The tableau assumes significance in the wake of Yoga getting global recognition with United Nations declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

In last year's Republic Day celebrations, tableaux from 18 states and Central Ministries and Departments presenting varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country were showcased.