Ranchi basks in Republic Day revelry

RANCHI: Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday became the first female Governor of Jharkhand to preside over the 67th Republic Day celebrations in Ranchi. Amid tight security arrangements made by district administration, denizens flocked at the Morhabadi ground to enjoy colourful march past by contingents drawn from district police, Jharkhand Armed Police, IRB, SSB, NCC and others, giving ceremonial salute to the Governor.
Chief minister Raghubar Das hoisted the tricolour in Dumka.
Morhabadi ground turned into a sea of humanity since early morning with audience taking their place well before the ceremony started. Addressing people on the occasion, Murmu stressed on the need to roll out skill development programs in remote hinterlands of the state.
"There is an urgent need to transform agriculture and forest produce based economy of Jharkhand into a more industrialised format. Government has initiated various schemes for skill development which will aid sustainable development and help stop rural migration," Murmu said.
Showcasing government's work over past one year, Raghubar Das exhorted people to send their girl child to schools. "Government is sparing no effort to increase enrollment and retention of students in schools.Vidhyalay chalein - chalaye mission 2015 aims to improve enrollment of students in 6-14 age group," said Das.
An Army contingent comprising a T-72 main battle tank and a howitzer belonging to 82 armoured division lead the parade. The march past was followed by grand display of Jharkhandi culture in form of 16 tableaux prepared by various government departments.
While water resources and sanitation department showcased progress done in Centre's flagship Namami Gange project, tourism department's Navratangarh, forest and environment department's tableau of eco tourism drew lots of cheers. Information & Public Relation department's tableau on Itkhori temple in Chatra district was awarded first prize.