By IANS,
Chandigarh : The colourful march-past and cultural programmes were all there, but the Republic Day celebrations in this Union Territory Tuesday also saw a unique event – an AIDS patient being awarded for her exemplary work among the afflicted.
Pooja Thakur, an AIDS patient, was awarded by the administration for her outstanding work for the welfare and uplift of AIDS patients. Thakur is the first AIDS patient who has been honoured during Republic Day celebrations in the history of Chandigarh.
Besides Thakur, commendation certificates awarded to over 20 residents of the city for their exceptional work in the fields of education, arts, sports and social service.
Earlier, the national tricolour was hoisted by adviser to the UT administrator Pardeep Mehra and he also took the salute at the parade to mark India’s 61st Republic Day.
The parade was celebrated at the Parade Ground in Sector 17 here, the commercial hub of Chandigarh.
An immaculate march-past, various cultural programmes and singing of patriotic songs marked the parade watched by hundreds of spectators and officials.
School children, National Cadet Corps cadets, the AIDS control society, Chandigarh Police, Chandigarh Home Guards, road safety wing, Punjab Armed Police and Haryana Armed Police participated in the parade.
There was a vibrant procession of floats, made by different city-based institutions like the Government Museum and Art Gallery, College of Arts, the adult education department, social welfare department and Red Cross society.
“Chandigarh is pursuing a path of quick development. The administration is keeping in mind the needs of every section of society to ensure appropriate growth of this city,” said Mehra, addressing the gathering.
Tight security arrangements were made all across the city to ensure smooth celebrations of the Republic Day.