UP Governor takes salute of parade; children display skills

Lucknow, Jan 26: Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar today took the customary salute of an impressive parade in front of the Vidhan Bhawan to mark the 59th Republic Day.

Chief Minister Mayawati, her senior cabinet colleagues and top bureaucrats were also present on the occasion.

Army, police personnel and children from various schools participated in the customary parade.

Dressed in colourful attires, children performed various cultural programmes on the Vidhan Bhawan marg here.

In a message, Mr Rajeswar paid glowing tributes to the great sons of India, who sacrificed their lives for making India free and democratic. The Governor noted, that the terrorist activities, both in the country and the state, was a great challenge, therefore, internal security of the country was the top most priority.

Chief Minister Mayawati in her greeting message said, ''we should also remember the propounders of social revolution Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, Narayan Guru, Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Manyawar Mr Kanshi Ram, who devoted their entire life for the cause of equality and economic independence to the downtrodden, backwards and poor people.'' Security across UP had been beefed up ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. Unprecedented security arragngements were in place to ensure a peaceful R-Day celebrations in the state.

Police had deployed additional Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies at sensitive places to thwart any attempt to create disturbances.

UNI