|
Peaceful Republic Day celebrations |
 |
Barring stray incidents of violence, the Republic Day celebrations went off peacefully all over the country on Jan. 26. Despite a boycott call given by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and five other extremist groups, a large number of people turned out at the Republic Day celebrations in Assam. In Orissa, the Maoists had given a boycott call, but it did not have much impact.
In Jammu and Kashmir, there was no untoward incident and there was a large turn out at the main Republic Day function held in the winter capital, Jammu. But the summer capital, Srinagar, wore a deserted look because of a call given by militant and separatist oraganisations.
In the national capital, Delhi, Russian President Vladimir Putin was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade where President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam took the salute.
The military might of the nation was showcased in the parade.
At the reception hosted by President Kalam in the evening, the Russian President was the big draw at the ‘At Home.’ During the one hour programme, the Russian President exchanged views with President Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan. What drew attention of observers was Dr. Manmohan Singh’s intense discussion with President Putin in one corner of the VIP enclosure. Details of what transpired between the two are not known.
On the eve of the Republic Day, President Kalam in his broadcast to the nation said there is need for speedy and exemplary punishment to perpetrators of crimes against children. Apparently moved by the Nithari serial killings in Noida, he said cruelty to children is against the fabric of society and cannot be tolerated at any cost.
Nariman and Khushwant selected for Padma Vibhushan
Fali Nariman (Public Affairs), Khushwant Singh (Literature and Education), P.N. Bhagwati (Public Affairs) and N.N. Vohra (Civil Service) are among the 10 eminent persons conferred the Padma Vibhushan award.
Naresh Chandra (Civil Service), Raja Rao (posthumous for Literature and Education), Sudarshan Erinackal Chandy George (Science and Engineering) and V. Krishnamurthy (Civil Service), Balu Sankaran (Medicine) and Raja Jesudoss Chelliah (Public Affairs) have also been selected for Padma Vibhushan.
Among the 32 eminent persons awarded the Padma Bhushan are Airtel owner Sunil Bharti Mittal, PepsiCo president Indra Nooyi, Chairman of Suzuki Motors Corporation O. Suzuki and social worker Mohini Giri.
The 79 Padma Shri awardees include golfer Jeev Milkha, educationist Mushirul Hassan, chess player Koneru Humpy, writer Vikram Seth and activist Teesta Setalvad.
LeT terrorist held in Delhi
On the eve of Republic Day, Delhi Police arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist who was allegedly planning to execute a bomb blast. More than two kilograms of RDX and a couple of detonators were recovered from him when he was arrested at a bus stand near Seelampur Metro Station. Iftikhar Alam, reportedly belonging to Nalanda district of Bihar, said that he and his accomplices were planning to carry out blasts on Republic Day.
|
