Uttarakhand celebrates 66th Republic Day

DEHRADUN: The 66th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across Uttarakhand today with Governor KK Paul hoisting the tricolour at the main function held at the Parade Ground here.

The function was held amid drizzle as Chief Minister Harish Rawat was the first to arrive at the venue to interact with freedom fighters invited to grace the occasion and honoured them by offering them shawls.

Governor K K Paul then arrived at the ground and unfurled the tricolour before taking a ceremonial salute by the police and paramilitary forces.

Schoolchildren presented a colourful cultural programme before the Governor which was followed by presentation of tableaux by different government departments showcasing their achievements.

The Governor also gave away President's Medal to police officials and firemen.

President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service were given to IG Girish Chandra Pant, DSP Shakuntala Hotiyal and sub-inspector Chandra Mohan.

Police Medal for Commendable Service went to SP (vigilance) Vijay Singh Karki, DSP Pratap Singh Pangti besides seven other policemen.

Fireservice medals were given to Tehri's fire brigade official Rajendra Singh Khati and Champavat's head fireman Gopal Singh Bisht.

For the first time, so many medals have been given to police and firemen in Uttarakhand since it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh in the year 2000. On an average the 'Vishist Seva Medal' was given to just one person every year and 'Srahaniya Seva Medal' to four.