Samikhsya Bureau
A special doodle with a 3D impression from the internet search behemoth Google, grand parade in the capital and impressive functions to observe the solemn occasion across the states and bandh and boycott call given by groups against The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in north east marked the 70th Republic Day celebrations on Saturday.
The search giant Google often mark important occasions with a special doodle on its homepage and today – India’s 70th Republic Day – was no exception.
On backdrop of the Doodle stands the Rashtrapati Bhavan – the symbol of Republic power and the official residence of country’s first citizen and the letter ‘G’ is dipped in green while ‘L’ has been represented by towering Qutub Minar.
Other letters in the word ‘Google’ shows the handicraft and heritage of India.
In Mizoram, the main Republic Day function at Aizawl was marred by ‘boycott’ at the call of the influential NGO Coordination Committee, a body of civil society groups including Young Mizo Association and student bodies.
Six armed contingents participated in the Republic Day parade, sources said adding normally 25 to o 30 contingents traditionally take part.
The Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan addressed a small gathering of officials, Chief Minister Zoramthanga, state ministers and legislators.
“The state government will endeavour to work for the unity and brotherhood of all Mizo people living within India and across the globe within our constitutional framework,” the Governor said.
In Manipur too, the Republic Day was observed throughout the state under tight security.
Governor Dr Najma Heptulla unfurled the tricolour at the Kangla in Imphal and took salute of the contingents.
In Manipur, the militant groups opposed the observation of Republic Day as done every year.
The civil societies opposed the move to pass The Citizenship Bill.
Another northeastern state Meghalaya also celebrated the 70th Republic Day amid tight security.
Unfurling the tri-colour at the spacious Polo Ground in Shillong, the state Governor Tathagata Roy appealed to all the citizens of the state to hold steadfastly to the ideals of democracy.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao reviewed an impressive parade at the Shivaji Park. “I am sure, Maharashtra will become the first trillion dollar economy state by 2025. The government is also committed to further improving the ease of doing business in the state,” he said in his address adding that Maharashtra has received 30 per cent of the FDI which came to India in recent times.
He also said state government would double the farmers income by 2022.
In Arunachal Pradesh in the north east, the state Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra called upon the people to cooperate with the government to ensure adequate progress for the works on the Greenfield Airport at Hollongi area near state capital Itanagar.
The foundation stone of the airport would be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month.
“I appeal to the people to think and act in the larger interest of the state, discarding individual benefits and allow the developmental projects to take off without raising any objections,” the Governor said
