KOCHI: Patriotic fervour and the message of unity in diversity ruled as the nation’s 63rd Republic Day was celebrated amid much fanfare in the city on Thursday. Minister for Public Works Kochi: V K Ibrahim Kunju led the R-Day celebrations held at Marine Drive. He was received by District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth and City Police Commissioner M R Ajith Kumar.“We should be able to overcome the threats of religious fundamentalism and social evils through unity and secular democratic ideals, as we succeeded doing in the past. It is the duty of each and every citizen to uphold these ideals and protect the unity of the nation,” the minister said in his Republic Day message.“The government is well-equipped in social welfare services, but more development is needed in terms of building basic facilities. Combined efforts of central, state and local bodies is vital for total development of the country,” he added. He unfurled the tricolour and took the parade salute. Kochi City Reserve Police and NCC senior division Army wing won the prize for the best platoon.The parade led by Kochi City Reserve Inspector M V Paulose included 7 armed forces departments, 21 unarmed forces departments and 6 bands. NCC Army wing Junior batch (girls), Police Cadet students (boys) clinched top honours. Perumbavoor C C P L M high school and St Antony’s School, Ernakulam, won first place in Scouts and Guides categories respectively. CCPLM High School, St Teresa’s High School and St Antony’s High School took top three positions in the best band category. Patriotic songs performed with gusto by Ernakulam Government High School students added flavour to the celebrations. MLAs Ludy Luis, Anwar Saadath, Advocate General K P Dandapani and IG K Padmakumar were present among other government officials.In Kerala High Court premises, Acting Chief Justice Manjula Chellur unfurled the national flag. In the Southern Naval Command, the celebrations were marked by the ceremonial parade at Command Ground, Naval Base, Kochi. Vice Admiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade. He also laid a wreath at the War Memorial.
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