By IANS,
Bangalore : Braving the January chill, thousands of Bangaloreans thronged Field Marshal Manekshaw parade ground here Monday morning to see hundreds of children and youngsters presenting colourful programmes to mark the 60th Republic Day.
Around 2,000 children, attired in their school uniforms, performed various dances to the melody of patriotic songs at the parade ground.
Contingents from 40 teams, including Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force and National Cadet Corps (NCC) participated in the march past. The two-hour long celebrations completed with cultural programmes and folk dances.
Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur hoisted the national flag. A guard of honour was presented to the governor by contingents of three defence services, state police, NCC and Bharat Scouts. He went around the parade ground in an open jeep and greeted around 6,000 onlookers.
Thakur in his 30-minute speech paid homage to the martyrs and victims of the recent Mumbai terror attacks. “My heart goes out to the kith and kin of all those killed in the 60-hour-long Mumbai terror attacks that began Nov 26 last year.”
Elaborate security measures were taken by the police across the city.
Bangalore city (Law and Order) additional commissioner of police M.R. Pujar said around 15,000 security personnel were deployed across the city to ensure smooth celebrations.
Special traffic arrangements were also made to maintain a steady flow of VIP vehicles, visiting various official functions for the Republic Day.
Republic Day functions were held in all 29 districts of Karnataka.