Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Jan 27: Several events and programme were held across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by the Government departments, legal and corporate bodies, pilgrimage institutions, police, and various other organisations to celebrate the 75th Republic Day with a grandeur and patriotic zeal.
These celebrations serve as a testament to the collective commitment towards upholding democratic values, fostering national pride, and contributing to the progress of the nation.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh played a central role in the festivities.
In the Jammu wing, Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh led the celebrations by unfurling the National Flag, accompanied by various judges, including Justice Tashi Rabstan, Justice Sindhu Sharma, and others.
DC Raina, Advocate General, Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Achal Sethi, Secretary, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, MK Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice and other officers and officials of the registry of the High Court also participated in the event.
The event showcased the unity of the judiciary, with the Armed Forces’ contingent playing patriotic tunes.
Sweets were distributed among the armed forces personnel by Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh, emphasizing camaraderie and gratitude.
Simultaneously, in the Srinagar wing of the High Court, Justice Atul Sreedharan presided over the Republic Day celebrations.
The flag hoisting was followed by a March Past and cultural presentations, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and national pride.
Justice Sanjay Dhar and other dignitaries graced the occasion, highlighting the inclusivity of the celebrations.
These events not only reflected the commitment of the judiciary to constitutional values but also the unity of the regions in the celebration of India’s democratic heritage.
Beyond the judiciary, District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Jammu and Budgam actively participated in Republic Day celebrations.
In Jammu, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Sanjay Parihar, led the event, emphasizing the importance of justice and the legal system in upholding constitutional values.
The festivities included a Guard of Honour and cultural performances, showcasing the vibrancy of legal professionals.
Similarly, in Budgam, Principal District & Sessions Judge Khalil Ahmad Choudhary presided over the celebrations, recognizing the significance of Republic Day in the legal context.
Both events demonstrated the commitment of the legal fraternity to justice and constitutional principles.
Corporate entities and institutions in the region also actively contributed to the Republic Day celebrations.
Income Tax Department in Jammu & Kashmir also celebrated the 75th Republic Day with joy and patriotic spirit.
A statement said that all the income tax offices were illuminated and decorated with flowers on the eve of the Republic day.
In Jammu, the tricolour was unfurled by Baljeet Kaur, Commissioner of Income Tax in presence of Rahul Padha, Joint Commissioner, Ruveda Salam, Deputy Commissioner and Dalip Bhatt, Zonal Accounts Officer.
Other Income Tax officers including Parvesh Khajuria, Dharmender Gupta, Vikas Kumar, Rajesh Kaul, Aneeta Thussu, PS Jamwal, Durga Kaul, Romesh Sharma, Ajay Kumar Rana, Vinod Kumar, and other officials were also present on the occasion along with CISF personnel who offered guard of the honour.
In her address, Baljeet Kaur, exhorted the officers and officials of the Department to provide best services to the taxpayers and spoke on the role of Income Tax in nation building.
Additionally, she urged the citizen to remain alert and uphold the Constitutional values. A plantation drive was also organised in Public Park near Railway Station.
At Kathua, ITO Satesh Kaul unfurled the tricolour near Railway Station, where he and his team conducted a sanitation drive as well.
ITO Hardeep Jolly in Samba, ITO Vijay Choudhary in Katra, ITO Shamshuddin in Rajauri, ITO Gulzar Malik in Baramulla, ITO Reyaz Bhat in Anantnag, and ITO ML Dogra unfurled the national flag and led the shramdan event for cleaning and plantation.
Additional Commissioner Rajeev Gubgotra unfurled the tricolour in Pathahankot and organized plantation drive there with ITO Ajay Gupta and ITO Anjesh Sharma and other staff. Plantation drive was also organized in Senior Citizen Welfare Club, Bhatindi, Jammu.
In Srinagar, 75th Republic Day was celebrated at AakyarBhawan, Rajbagh, Srinagar with pride and reverence. The department had dedicated this year’s Republic day to honour war heroes and their dependents of Kashmir valley who made supreme sacrifices for the country.
The Republic day celebrations began by welcoming the chief guest MP Singh, Principal Commissioner of Income Tax, J&K and Ladakh and by giving him ceremonial Guard of Honour by CRPF personnel followed by unfurling of the National Flag and National Anthem.
The event was graced by other officers of the department including Shakil Ahmad Ganie (Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax), Syed Junaid (Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax), Income Tax Officers namely Karamvir, Maisee Meena, Sumit Kumar, Ankit Dhaka, AO ChesfeedaBano along with staff of the department.
J&K Bank, a prominent financial institution, observed Republic Day with MD & CEO Baldev Prakash unfurling the National Flag in Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, Baldev Prakash congratulated his staff by saying, “this Republic Day must remind us of our collective responsibility towards the progress and prosperity of the nation.”
“At J&K Bank, we’re committed to contributing to the economic growth of the regions we serve, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to financial inclusion and support for diverse sections of the society under initiatives like Swarozga Yojana.”
Bank of India celebrated the day with traditional fervor at its Head Office, emphasizing the chosen theme “India – Mother of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat” (developed India).
Rajneesh Karnatak, MD & CEO of the Bank hoisted the National Flag in presence of Executive Directors PR Rajagopal, Swarup Dasgupta and Subrat Kumar. Apart from this, Chief General Managers, General Managers, staff from Head Office along with their family members also attended the function.
Addressing the gathering, Rajneesh Karnatak shared insights into the significance of Republic Day, tracing its historical roots to the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. He emphasized the pivotal role played by democratic principles in shaping the nation’s identity.
Karnatak urged all the staff members to reflect on their roles as a fellow citizens and dedicated Bank of India staff, emphasizing the collective responsibility to contribute towards nation building.
The celebrations included cultural programs reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
Additionally, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) marked Republic Day at Rail Head Complex.
Director Information, Jatin Kishore, unfurled the National Flag, paying tribute to individuals who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties.
The ceremony was attended by officials from various departments, highlighting the collaborative efforts towards nation-building.
NHPC Regional Office Jammu celebrated Republic Day with enthusiasm. Suprakash Adhikari, ED, Regional Office, Jammu & O&M Unit, NHPC Limited, emphasized the need for meaningful and responsible contributions to nation-building.
The celebrations included the honoring of DGR Security personnel for their excellent service and cultural programs showcasing the talents of employees and their families.
The Republic Day celebrations extended beyond the legal and corporate realms, encompassing diverse sectors and regions within Jammu Kashmir.
The 75th Republic Day was also celebrated in the J&K Resident Commission Office in New Delhi with patriotic fervour and zeal.
As per a statement, Additional Resident Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir Government, Pavan Kumar Sharma, unfurled the national flag on the occasion.
A contingent of J&K Armed Police presented guard of honour on the occasion. The ceremonial function was attended by all the officers and officials of Jammu and Kashmir posted at New Delhi.
Congratulating the participants on this auspicious occasion, Additional Resident Commissioner said that the principle objective of celebrating the Republic Day is to remember and honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for this nation.
He asked all the officers and officials to take inspiration from the freedom fighters and the soldiers for empowering the nation further.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra commemorated the day with CEO Anshul Garg unfurling the tricolor at the Sports Complex in Katra.
The ceremony included an impressive march past by contingents from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC, Shrine Enforcement & Security, and students from various educational institutions.
The CEO, Anshul Garg, emphasized the rich history of India, commitment to democratic principles, and the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.
The cultural program showcased themes of national integration, unity in diversity, and the composite culture of Jammu Kashmir UT.
Similarly, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy (SKPA) Udhampur celebrated Republic Day with patriotic fervor.
Additional Director General of Police/Director Police Academy, Garib Dass highlighted the essence of the day, emphasizing the significance of India’s vast constitution.
The celebrations witnessed a gathering of staff, their family members, and trainee officers/officials, reflecting the collective commitment to uphold constitutional values and strengthen national unity.
Republic Day was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal where Veerinder Kumar Bhat, Superintendent of the jail, unfurled the tricolour.
He spoke in length about the importance of the day and sacrifices of the freedom fighters and soldiers.
A colourful cultural programme was also hosted by the Jail staff, CISF personnel, and the inmates. Bara Khaana was also arranged for the inmates and sweets were distributed among the inmates as well as the staff members.
In the power sector, Dulhasti Power Station marked Republic Day with Chief Guest M K Kashyap, Group General Manager (Incharge), unfurling the National Flag.
General Manager (In-charge) emphasized the need for honest contributions to the country’s progress.
The event showcased the commitment of the power sector to national development and energy security.
Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPPL), entrusted with hydro projects in the Chenab basin, celebrated the 75th Republic Day with pride and fervor.
Managing Director Ramesh Mukhiya unfurled the National Flag, emphasizing the constitutional ideals.
The MD provided insights into the significance of Republic Day and encouraged employees to dedicate themselves to completing the ongoing hydro projects.
The celebrations reflected the dedication of the energy sector to improving regional energy availability and contributing to the country’s industrial growth.
The 75th Republic Day was also celebrated with great enthusiasm at Kishanganga Power Station, where Head of the Power Station, Lakhmi Chand, was the Chief Guest who hoisted the National Flag at the residential-cum-office premises of the Power Station. Besides, the Republic Day was also celebrated at the Dam site in Gurez.
In his address, the Head of the Power Station, Lakhmi Chand highlighted the importance of the Day and mentioned the features of the Indian Constitution.
He also highlighted the achievements of the NHPC and detailed the benefits of the projects for the development of the local areas as well as people.
He called upon the NHPC employees to contribute to the progress of NHPC by completing all the work in a planned manner within the stipulated time and playing the major role in the development of the Nation.