Indian Missions and Diaspora celebrate Republic Day across the world

The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated across the world by Indian Missions and Diaspora. On this occasion, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the foreign missions organized various events and cultural performances. Indian Diaspora across the world participated in these events with great zeal and enthusiasm. A friendly cricket match was also played between India and Australia High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa as part of National Day celebrations. Notably, India's Republic Day and Australia's National Day falls on 26th January. The High Commission to Brunei celebrated the 73rd Republic Day today morning at the Chancery premises. Despite heavy torrential rains, more than 100 members of the Indian Diaspora and friends of India attended the function. On the occasion, at the Indian High Commission to New Zealand, High Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi launched a handbook titled Exporting to New Zealand. The report has been prepared jointly by High Commission to New Zealand and Duco Consultancy. On the eve of the 73rd Republic Day, the majestic Baths of Diocletian, dating back to the IV Century in Rome, is illuminated with tricolor lighting. Chancery and India House were also illuminated and looked resplendent in tricolor at Atlanta. Angola Embassy lighted up in tricolour to celebrate 73rd Republic Day of India which also celebrates the ongoing ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. From members of the Congress to industry leaders, from scientists and educators to Diaspora snd students, greetings poured in on social media platform Twitter from the United States.

-Secretary of the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare V. Srinivas Wednesday chaired a webinar in New Delhi organised with the objective to create awareness on newly notified CCS Pension Rules, 2021 and generation of Digital Life Certificates, DLC, using Face Authentication Technology. Central government pensioners associations from across the country participated in the meeting. Presentations were given on CCS Pension Rules 2021 and on DLC generation through Face Authentication followed by a question answer session after each presentation.During the event, the Secretary appreciated the intensity of the discussion among 52 participants from various associations and the various queries raised. He said, it is important to understand where reforms in the department are necessary and constant amendments in law may be required to ensure greater benefits given to pensioners.

-On 73rd Republic Day, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari praised the remarkable work done in over last two years in the state. During his speech, he also spoke about the Inspiring Regional Leadership award bagged by Maharashtra in Scotland a few months back which was given at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. He further added that Maharashtra government had given a loan waiver of 20,234 crore rupees to 32 lakh farmers in the state. On the occasion of Republic Day, a flag unfurling ceremony was held at Shivaji Park in the presence of Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, other ministers and officers.

-Home Minister Amit Shah has said that central government stands committed to recognising and honouring India's brave police personnel. In a series of tweets, Shah said, it is a matter of immense pride to the entire nation, that the Jammu and Kashmir Police has won the largest share, 115, of the gallantry awards today on Republic Day. He said, this reflects their valour and commitment.  Shah said, Jammu and Kashmir Police has been the spearhead of India’s fight against terrorism. He congratulated all Police personnel on this momentous achievement and salute their bravery. The Home Minister also bowed to ASI Babu Ram’s unparalleled valour and sacrifice for which he was awarded the Ashok Chakra this Republic Day. Mr Shah said, his name will remain a source of inspiration not only for the forces but for all Indians. Babu Ram was a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Police team that launched an intelligence based operation against a group of terrorists on the outskirts of Srinagar. The Minister said, he led from the front and made the supreme sacrifice in the operation in which three terrorists were neutralised.

-Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Brig. (Dr.) B. D. Mishra (Retd.) dedicated the ‘General Bipin Rawat Hall’ of Raj Bhavan, Itanagar to the people the State on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday. Kritika Rawat & Tarini Rawat, daughters of Late General Bipin Rawat, Former Chief of Defence Staff of India virtually attended the function.  Interacting with Mrs. Kritika Rawat and Ms. Tarini Rawat through virtual mode, the Governor said that General Rawat was a great General and also a great friend of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. He said that General Rawat will always be remembered by the people of Arunachal Pradesh and will be an inspiring figure for the present and future generations of the whole nation. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the occasion said that he had a close relationship with General Rawat. He informed that in honour of Late General, the road from Walong to Kibithu, where General Rawat rendered his valuable service as Commanding Officer of his Battalion 5/11 Gorkha Rifles, will be named after him. Late General Bipin Rawat’s family extended their heartiest gratitude to the Governor and Chief Minister for their thoughtful act, which they termed as ‘noble gesture’.