TABLEAUX Showcased By Tripura & CISF On R Day Bag First Prize

TABLEAUX   Tripura, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) have won the first prize for the Republic Day Parade at the Raj Path in New Delhi. An official statement said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the awards at a ceremony on Monday. Under the states and union territories category, the first prize has gone to Tripura for its float based on the theme of ‘Empowering Rural Economy in Gandhian Way’.The second prize is bagged by Jammu and Kashmir for its theme on ‘Gandhiji’s Ray of Hope — Our Composite Culture’ and the third prize to Punjab for its float on the theme of ‘Jallianwala Bagh’.The CISF’s float was based on the theme ‘Securing National Assets — 50 Glorious Years’ while the ICAR tableau was on ‘Kisan Gandhi’. INDIA celebrated the 70th year  of  India’s  Republic  was  celebrated on January 26 amidst tight ever security  cover in the national capital  and elsewhere showcasing the traditional grand military parade on Raj Path. The colourful 90- minute parade commenced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial at India Gate  and the three chiefs of the armed forces paid homage to soldiers who laid down lives in combat. 22 tableaux of states and central departments were showcased with overall theme of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and philosophy during parade. President Ram Nath Kovind, the first lady and the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was the chief guest this year, arrived in a cavalcade escorted by 46 President’s Bodyguards. The open buggy traditionally used to escort the chief guest was done away this year owing to security concerns, news agency ANI reported. Ramphosa’s presence at the celebrations was significant as Gandhi’s 21-year stay in South Africa played a pivotal role in moulding him into the apostle of peace.