By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Governor Prabha Rao Monday took the salute at the Republic Day parade held on the historic Ridge here and commended the development initiatives undertaken by the state on the occasion.
After paying floral tributes to the war heroes and martyrs, who had made huge sacrifices for the cause of the nation, Rao congratulated the people of the state for their hard work that had contributed to its development.
“The tiny hill state has taken big strides in the fields of education, health, power generation and tourism,” she said.
Rao said the state had scripted a new chapter in planned development.
“The state has done wonderful work in the field of social uplift, environment and women’s empowerment. The road network has been extended even in the remote and toughest terrains,” she said.
She gave the credit of development to the hardworking and honest people of the state.
The governor urged the people to be harbingers of peace and brotherhood and work for the integration of the country.
The tableaux exhibited by various departments and corporations also depicted the development made by the state in various fields. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, his cabinet colleagues and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Braving extreme cold conditions, state Transport Minister Kishan Kapoor and Health Minister Rajeev Bindal unfurled the national flag in the cold deserts of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts respectively.
Hundreds of people turned out to attend the functions in these districts.