My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Today is the 26^th of January. Heartiest greetings to you on the Festival of our Republic. This is our first meeting of minds in the year 2020, through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. This is the first such programme of the year; nay, of the decade. Friends, this time, it came across as appropriate to change the broadcast time of Mann Ki Baat, on account of the Republic Day Celebrations. And that is why I am reaching out to you this evening through Mann Ki Baat, having thought of a separate time slot. Friends, every day is a new day; weeks and months keep seeing change; years witness transformation, except for the enthusiasm and fervor of the people of India! And, of course, we are no less… we are certain to outdo ourselves. The spirit of ‘can do’, is emerging as a new resolve. The sentiment of contributing positively to the country & society is gaining strength, day by day. Friends, we have come together, once again, on the dais of Mann Ki Baat. This is to discuss newer subjects; to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen; in fact, to celebrate India. Mann Ki Baat has emerged as a fruitful, frank, effortless & organic platform for sharing, learning and growing together. Every month, thousands of people share their suggestions, their efforts, and their experiences thereby. And through the endeavour, we get a chance to discuss some extraordinary feats by people, which serve as a beacon of inspiration to society.

Somebody has succeeded in doing something – can we too achieve that! Can that particular venture be replicated to bring about a colossal transformation in the entire country? Can we establish that change into permanence, turning it into a simple, natural social habit? In a likewise quest to seek answers, the caravan of Mann Ki Baat progresses with a few appeals, some invocations and a lot of resolves to do something. For the past many years, we would have made varied resolves. Just as, ‘No to single use plastic’, buying Khadi or ‘local’, sanitation & cleanliness, respect & honour for the girl child, or emphasizing on the new aspect of ‘less cash economy’! Many a resolve such as these came into being on account of our conversations & chats through Mann Ki Baat. And, you have been the ones who strengthened that.

I have received a lovely letter, written by Shriman Shailesh from Bihar. In fact, he no longer stays in Bihar. He says, he stays in Delhi, working for an NGO. Shailesh writes, “Modi ji, you appeal to us on one point or the other, in every episode of Mann Ki Baat. I have implemented many of them in letter & spirit. This winter, I collected warm clothes from people, going home to home and distributed them to the needy. Taking a cue from Mann Ki Baat, I have embarked upon many initiatives. But gradually, I began forgetting… certain things started fading away. This new year, I have made a Charter pertaining to Mann Ki Baat, consisting of a list of all these, just the way people make resolutions at the onset of the New Year. Modi ji, this is my social resolution for this new year. I feel there are many little things that can usher in a big change. Can you inscribe your autograph on this Charter and arrange to send it back to me?” Well, Shailesh ji, heartiest congratulations and many good wishes to you. The Mann Ki Baat Charter in connection with your New Year resolution is very innovative. I shall certainly send it back to you, along with my best wishes inscribed. Friends, when I was glancing through this ‘Mann Ki Baat Charter’, I was taken aback at the magnitude of its contents… a multitude of hash tags. And, of course, we have striven together on myriad endeavours. There have been times when we tried to establish a stronger emotional connect with our soldiers through the campaign ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’; we have also catapulted sales of Khadi with ‘Khadi for Nation- Khadi for Fashion’. We internalized the Mantra of ‘buy local’. Through ‘Hum Fit toh India Fit’, we enhanced awareness, towards fitness. We turned sanitation into a mass movement, through the endeavours of ‘My clean India’ or ‘Statue Cleaning’. #‘No to Drugs’, #‘Bharat Ki Lakshmi’, #‘Self for Society’, #‘Stress free Exams’, #‘Suraksha- Bandhan’ #‘Digital Economy’, #‘Road Safety’…. Oh, the list is endless.

Shailesh ji, you must have realized after going through this Mann Ki Baat Charter that the list is indeed long! Come, let us continue this journey. Do join any cause of your choice listed in the Mann Ki Baat Charter. Using the hashtag, proudly share your contribution with one & all. Try motivating friends & family. When every Indian takes a step forward, it results in India going ahead by a 130 crore steps. And that’s why, it is said “Charaivetee, charaivetee, charaivetee…” Keep walking, keep marching, keep advancing! Your endeavour should revolve around that Mantra.

My dear countrymen, we touched upon the Mann Ki Baat Charter. The ethos of public participation, besides in the area of sanitation, is rising rapidly on another front… and that is water conservation. Quite a few extensive & innovative efforts are under way, in every corner of the country, for the sake of conserving water. It gives me joy to let you know that the Jal-Shakti Campaign that commenced last monsoon is taking rapid, successful strides with the aid of public participation. A large number of lakes & ponds have been built. And the best part is that in this campaign, people from all strata of society contributed wholeheartedly. Take for instance Jalore district in Rajasthan. There, two historical step wells had turned into storehouses of garbage & dirty water. But one fine day, hundreds of people from Bhadraayun & Thanawala Panchayats took a resolve to rejuvenate them, under the Jal Shakti Campaign. Much before the rains, people immersed themselves in the task of cleaning out the accumulated filthy water, garbage and morass. For this campaign, some donated money; others their labour & sweat. As a result, these step wells have turned into their lifelines now. A similar story comes across from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh.

Here, the Saraahi Lake, spread across 43 hectares was on the verge of breathing its last. But the villagers, through the power of their collective resolve pumped life into it. They did not let any deterrent enter in the way of this mammoth mission. Villages joined hands, one after the other. They built a one meter high embankment along all the four sides of the lake. The lake now is brimming with water; the surroundings wake up to the melody of the chirping of birds.

Village Suniyakot along the Almora-Haldwani highway in Uttarakhand has also emerged as a similar example of public participation. To tide over an acute water crisis, villagers took it upon themselves to ensure that water reached their village. There was no stopping to their resolve. People raised money among themselves. The plan was followed by collective donation of labour and from almost a kilometre away, a pipe was laid upto the village. A pumping station was set up. By and by, a two decade old agonizing problem came to an end. Whereas, a very innovative idea of harnessing a borewell for rainwater harvesting sprung up from Tamilnadu. The country is replete with innumerable such stories, of water conservation, lending more strength to the resolves of New India. Today the entire country is eager to hear similar accomplishments of our Jal Shakti champions. I urge you to share without fail, stories, photos & videos of such endeavours of water conservation and water harvesting undertaken by you or those around you using #Jalshakti4India.

My dear countrymen and especially all my young friends, today, through the forum of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I congratulate the Government and the people of Assam for being the excellent hosts of ‘Khelo India’. Friends, on 22^nd January, the third ‘Khelo India Games’ concluded in Guwahati. These games had around 6 thousand players from different states participating. You will be surprised to know that 80 records were broken during this grand sports festival. And I am proud that of these 80 records, 56 were broken by our daughters. These laurels have been recorded in the name of our daughters! I along with all the winners, congratulate all the participants. I also thank all the people, coaches and technical officers associated with ‘Khelo India Games’ for organising them successfully.

It is very pleasant for all of us to learn that the participation of athletes in ‘Khelo India Games’ is on the upsurge year after year. And this also tells you about the increasing inclination towards sports in our school children. I wish to tell all of you that in 2018, when ‘Khelo India Games’ were instituted, thirty-five hundred players took part, but in just three years the number of players has increased to more than 6 thousand, which translates to the fact that it has almost doubled. Not only this, in just three years, through ‘Khelo India Games’, thirty-two hundred gifted children have emerged on the sporting horizon! Many of these children grew up amidst dearth and poverty. The stories of the patience and determination of these children who participated in ‘Khelo India Games’ as well as their parents will inspire every Indian. Now take the example of Purnima Mandal of Guwahati, a sanitation worker in Guwahati Municipal Corporation! But whereas her daughter Malvika showed her mettle in football, one of her sons Sujit represented Assam in Kho-Kho, while the other son Pradeep did the same in hockey.

Somewhat similar is the story of Yogananthan of Tamil Nadu which fills you with great pride! Yogananthanmakesbeedis in Tamil Nadu, but his daughter Purnashree won everyone’s heart by bagging the Gold Medal in Weight Lifting. If I now take the name of David Beckham, you will think whether I’m referring to the legendary International Footballer. But now we also have a David Beckham amidst us and he has won a gold medal at the Youth Games in Guwahati. That too in the 200-meter Sprint event in Cycling! You know, some time ago I had visited Andaman-Nicobar Islands! There was David, a denizen of Car-Nicobar who had lost his parents while he was an infant! His uncle wanted him to become a footballer, and hence had named him after the famous footballer. But young David was obsessed with cycling. He was selected under the ‘Khelo India’ scheme and today you can witness for yourself that he has created a new record in cycling.

Prashant Singh Kanhaiya of Bhiwani broke his own national record in the Pole vault event. Prashant, 19, hails from an agrarian family. You will be surprised to know that Prashant used to practice Pole vault on clay! After knowing this amazing fact, the Sports Department helped his coach to run the academy at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi and today Prashant is being coached there.

The never say die story of Kareena Shankta of Mumbai inspires everyone. Kareena competed in the 100 metre breast-stroke event in swimming, won the gold medal in the Under-17 category and also set a new national record. However there was a time for Kareena, a 10^th standard student when she had to forego her training due to a knee injury. But Kareena and her mother did not lose courage and the result of that fortitude is evident in front of all of us today. I wish all the players a bright future. Along with this, I also, on behalf of all our countrymen, bow in honouring those parents, who did not permit poverty to become a hurdle for the future of their children. We all know that National Games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we have decided to organize ‘Khelo India University Games’ every year on the pattern of ‘Khelo India Youth Games’.

Friends, next month, the first edition of ‘Khelo India University Games’ is being organized in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22^nd February to 1^st March. And more than 3000 players have qualified for participating in these games.

My dear countrymen, the exam season has arrived, and obviously all the students will be busy giving final shape to their preparations. After my experience with millions of students of the country through the platform of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, I can say with confidence that the youth of the country is brimming with self-confidence and is ready to face every challenge.

Friends, on the one hand, we are facing examinations; on the other, the winter season. Betwixt these two I urge you to try & keep fit. Do some exercises or play a little! Sports & games is the key to keeping fit. By the way, these days, I see that many events pertaining to ‘Fit India’ are being organised. On January 18, our young friends organized a Cyclothon throughout the country. Millions of countrymen participating in this Cyclothon spread the message of fitness. Efforts to ensure that our New India remains fit that are evident at every level fills us with fervour & enthusiasm. The ‘Fit India School’ campaign, which started in November last year, is also bringing results. I have been told that till date, more than 65,000 schools have obtained the ‘Fit India School’ certificates through online registration. I urge the rest of the schools in the country to integrate physical activity and sports with education and ensure that they become a ‘fit school’. Also concomitantly, I appeal to all countrymen to promote more physical activity in their daily routine. Remind yourself every day that if we are fit India is fit!

My dear countrymen, a couple of weeks ago, different parts of India were celebrating a variety of festivals. When Punjab was spreading the warmth of enthusiasm by celebrating Lohri, sisters and borthers of Tamil Nadu were celebrating Pongal and birth anniversary of Thiruvalluvar. Assam was aglow with the fascinating lustre of Bihu. In Gujarat, everywhere you could see kites in the sky and the pomp of Uttaraayan. In such an atmosphere, Delhi witnessed a historic event. A significant agreement was signed in Delhi. With it, the close-to-25-year-old Bru-Reang refugee crisis, a painful chapter, was put to an end forever and ever. Due to the busy routine and festive season, you might not have been able to learn about this historic agreement in detail. So I thought, I should definitely discuss this in Mann ki Baat. This problem pertains to the 90s. In 1997, ethnic tension forced the Bru-Reang tribe to leave Mizoram and take refuge in Tripura. These refugees were kept in temporary camps in Kanchanpur in North Tripura. It’s painful that the Bru-Reang community lost a significant part of their life as refugees. Life in camps meant that they were deprived of all basic amenities. For 23 years – no home, no land, no medical treatment for their families, no education facilities for their kids. Just imagine, how difficult it must have been for them to live 23 long years in trying circumstances in camps! How painful it would have been to spend every moment, every day of their lives hurtling towards an uncertain future! Governments came and went, but there was no cure for their pain. Despite that, their unwavering belief in the Indian Constitution and culture continued. It’s a result of that belief that their life is on the threshold of a new dawn today. As per the agreement, the path to a dignified life has been opened for them. Finally the new decade of 2020, has brought a new ray of hope in the life of the Bru-Reang community. Around 34000 Bru refugees will be rehabilitated in Tripura. Not just that, the government will provide an assistance of close to Rs.600 crores for their rehabilitation and all-round development. Each displaced family will be provided a plot of land. They will be assisted in construction of a house. In addition, rations will be provided to them. They will now be able to benefit from the public welfare schemes of the state and central governments. This agreement is special for many reasons. It symbolises the spirit of cooperative federalism. The Chief Ministers of both Mizoram and Tripura were present during the signing of the agreement. This agreement was made possible only because of the consent and good wishes of people from both the states. I would like to especially express my gratitude to the people and the Chief Ministers of both the states for making this possible. This agreement also epitomises the inherent compassion and sensitivity of Indian culture. Considering everyone as its own and living with the spirit of togetherness is embedded in the ethos of this holy land. I would once again like to congratulate the residents of these states and the Bru-Reang community.

My dear countrymen, Assam, which hosted the grand ‘Khelo India’ games successfully, was witness to another great achievement. You might also have seen it in the news, that a few days ago, 644 militants pertaining to 8 different militant groups, surrendered with their weapons. Those who had strayed twards the path of violence, have expressed their faith in peace and decided to become a partner in the country’s progress and return to the mainstream. Last year, in Tripura as well, more than 80 people left the path of violence and returned to the mainstream. Those who had picked up weapons thinking that violence could solve problems, now firmly believe that the only way to solve any dispute is peace and togetherness. Countrymen will be thrilled to know that insurgency in the North-East has considerably reduced. And the biggest reason for that is that every issue of this region is being honestly and peacefully solved through dialogue. On the solemn occasion of Republic day, I would appeal to anyone in any part of the country, who’s still seeking solutions to problems through violence and weapons, to return to the mainstream. They should have faith in their own capabilities and the capabilities of this country to resolve issues peacefully. We live in the 21^st century, that is the era of knowledge, science and democracy. Have you ever heard of a place where life has turned better due to violence? Have you ever heard of a place where peace and goodwill have been impediments in the quest of a good life? Violence never resolves any issue. No problem in the world can be solved by creating another problem. It can only be solved by seeking an optimal solution. Come, let’s together forge a new India, where every issue is resolved on a platform of peace. Solidarity should be the key to resolving every issue. And brotherhood, should foil every separatist attempt to divide us.

My dear countrymen, on the solemn occasion of Republic Day, it gives me great joy to tell you about ‘Gaganyaan’. The country has taken another step towards this goal. In 2022, we will be celebrating 75 years of Independence. And on that occasion, we have to fulfil the pledge to take an Indian into space through the Gaganyaan mission. Gaganyaan mission will be a historic achievement in the field of science and technology for India in the 21^st century. It will prove to be a milestone for New India.

Friends, you would be aware that four candidates have been already selected as astronauts for this mission. All of them are pilots of the Indian Air Force. These promising youngsters symbolise India’s skill, talent, ability, courage and dreams. Our four friends are about to go to Russia in a few days for their training. I am confident that this would script another golden chapter in India-Russia friendship and cooperation. They will be trained for over a year. After that, the responsibility of carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation and soaring into space, will rest on the shoulders of one of them. On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, I congratulate these four youngsters and the Indian and Russian scientists and engineers associated with this mission.

My dear countrymen, in March last year, a video had become the centre of attention in the media and the social media. The buzz was about how a 107 year old elderly motherly figure broke the protocol to bless the President. This lady was Saalumarada Timmakka (सालुमरदअ तिम्मक्कअ), who is famous in Karnataka as ‘Vriksha Maataa’ (Tree Mother). And the ceremony was the Padma Awards distribution. The country recognised and honoured the extraordinary contribution of Timmakka who comes from an ordinary background. She was being decorated with the Padma Shri award ceremony.

Friends, today India feels proud of such great personalities and feels honoured to honour such down to earth, rooted individuals. Like every year, last evening Padma awards were announced. I urge you to read up about each of the awardees. Discuss their contribution with your family. This year over 46000 nominations were received for the 2020 Padma awards. This number is more than 20 times the number of nominations received in 2014. This statistic reveals the faith of every one of us and tells us that the Padma Awards have now become the Peoples’ awards. The entire process of the Padma Awards is now completed online. Earlier, the decision was taken by a select few. Now, it’s completely people driven. We could even say that there is now a new found faith and respect for these awards in the country. Many among the awardees are those who have risen from the bottom of the pyramid through dint of their hard work. They have overcome limitations of resources and a terrible atmosphere of despair around them and forged ahead. In fact, their strong resolve, spirit of selfless service, inspires us all. Once again, I would like to congratulate all the Padma award recipients. I urge you to read up about them and gather more information. The extraordinary stories of their lives, will inspire the society in the true spirit.

My dear countrymen, once again many many good wishes for the Republic Day celebrations. May this new decade bring new resolve and new achievements for each of you, and for the country. And may India surely achieve the capabilities to fulfil the expectations that the world has from India. With this belief, come, let’s start a new decade. Let’s serve Mother India with a new found resolve. Many many thanks. Namaskar. (Goodbye).

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In his first ever Mann Ki Baat of the new year and the new decade the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today said that Bru-Reang Agreement closes over two decade old refugee crisis providing succour and relief to over 34,000 refugees in Mizoram.

Explaining the problem in detail, Shri Modi said, “This problem pertains to the 90s. In 1997, ethnic tension forced the Bru-Reang tribe to leave Mizoram and take refuge in Tripura. These refugees were kept in temporary camps in Kanchanpur in North Tripura. It’s painful that the Bru-Reang community lost a significant part of their life as refugees. Life in camps meant that they were deprived of all basic amenities. For 23 years – no home, no land, no medical treatment for their families, no education facilities for their kids.”

Prime Minister said that several Governments have found no cure to the problem and the pain of the refugees. He appreciated the faith of the refugees in the Indian Constitution.

He said it is their belief that today led to the historic agreement that was signed in Delhi this month.

“It’s a result of that belief that their life is on the threshold of a new dawn today. As per the agreement, the path to a dignified life has been opened for them. Finally the new decade of 2020, has brought a new ray of hope in the life of the Bru-Reang community”, he said.

Explaining the benefits of the agreement, the Prime Minister said, “Around 34000 Bru refugees will be rehabilitated in Tripura. Not just that, the government will provide an assistance of close to Rs.600 crores for their rehabilitation and all-round development. Each displaced family will be provided a plot of land. They will be assisted in construction of a house. In addition, rations will be provided to them. They will now be able to benefit from the public welfare schemes of the state and central governments.”

Prime Minister termed this agreement as special, as it symbolises the spirit of cooperative federalism.

He said, “This agreement also epitomises the inherent compassion and sensitivity of Indian culture.”

Shed Violence – Return to Mainstream

Prime Minister said that violence cannot provide solutions to any problem. He praised the 644 Militants of 8 groups in Assam who surrendered their arms and decided to return to mainstream.

He said, “Assam, which hosted the grand ‘Khelo India’ games successfully, was witness to another great achievement. A few days ago, 644 militants pertaining to 8 different militant groups, surrendered with their weapons. Those who had strayed towards the path of violence, have expressed their faith in peace and decided to become a partner in the country’s progress and return to the mainstream.”

He said similarly in Tripura more than 80 people left the path of violence and returned to the mainstream and that insurgency in the North-East has considerably reduced.

He said, “The biggest reason for that is that every issue of this region is being honestly and peacefully solved through dialogue.”

He urged those who are still on the path of violence to return to the mainstream.

“On the solemn occasion of Republic day, I would appeal to anyone in any part of the country, who’s still seeking solutions to problems through violence and weapons, to return to the mainstream. They should have faith in their own capabilities and the capabilities of this country to resolve issues peacefully”, he said.

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VRRK/AKP

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi discussed the ‘Gaganyaan’ Mission in his first Mann Ki Baat of the new year and the new decade.

He said as India celebrates its 75th year of Independence in 2022 the country has to fulfil “the pledge to take an Indian into the space through the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission.”

He said, “Gaganyaan mission will be a historic achievement in the field of science and technology for India in the 21st century. It will prove to be a milestone for New India.”

Prime Minister praised the four pilots of the Indian Airforce who have been selected as astronauts for the mission and their forthcoming training in Russia.

“These promising youngsters symbolise India’s skill, talent, ability, courage and dreams. Our four friends are about to go to Russia in a few days for their training. I am confident that this would script another golden chapter in India-Russia friendship and cooperation.”

Prime Minister said that after their training for over a year, they would shoulder the responsibility of carrying the hopes and aspirations of the nation and soaring into space.

He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, I congratulate these four youngsters and the Indian and Russian scientists and engineers associated with this mission.”

*****

 In Mann Ki Baat today Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said Jal Shakti Campaign is taking rapid, successful strides with the aid of public participation. He shared few extensive & innovative water conservation efforts under way, in every corner of the country.

Mentioning about Jalore district in Rajasthan He said, “There, two historical step wells had turned into storehouses of garbage & dirty water. But one fine day, hundreds of people from Bhadraayun & Thanawala Panchayats took a resolve to rejuvenate them, under the Jal Shakti Campaign. Much before the rains, people immersed themselves in the task of cleaning out the accumulated filthy water, garbage and morass. For this campaign, some donated money; others their labour & sweat. As a result, these step wells have turned into their lifelines now”.

Similarly Saraahi Lake in Barabanki Uttar Pradesh, was brought to life by the collective efforts of Villagers. Another example of Public participation is Village Suniyakot along the Almora-Haldwani Highway in Uttarakhand.  Here villagers took it upon themselves to ensure that water reached their village. People raised money, donated labour. A pipe was laid upto the village and a pumping station was set up. Thus decade old problem of water crisis was solved.

Prime Minister urged everyone to share their stories of such endeavours of water conservation and water harvesting by using #Jalshakti4India.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan – a campaign for water conservation and water security commenced last monsoon in July, 2019.  The campaign focussed on water stressed districts and blocks.

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In his Mann Ki Baat today Prime Minister congratulated the Government, the people of Assam and participants for successful conclusion of the ‘Khelo India Games’.

Prime Minister said, Khelo India games had around 6 thousand players from different states participating. 80 records were broken, and of these 80 records, 56 were broken by our daughters. He noted that in 2018, when ‘Khelo India Games’ were instituted, thirty-five hundred players took part, but in just three years the number of players has increased to more than 6 thousand, which translates to the fact that it has almost doubled.

Prime Minister in Mann Ki Baat today shared inspiring stories of the participant children and their parents. One among those was the story of Yogananthan of Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister said, “Yogananthan makes beedis in Tamil Nadu, but his daughter Purnashree won everyone’s heart by bagging the Gold Medal in Weight Lifting”.

He also mentioned about David who won a gold medal at the 200 meter Sprint event in cycling in Youth Games in Guwahati. David from Car-Nicobar had lost his parents while he was an infant. His uncle wanted him to become a footballer, and hence had named him after the famous footballer David Beckham. But young David was obsessed with cycling. He was selected under the ‘Khelo India’ scheme and today he has  created a new record in cycling.

He also shared the inspiring story of Kareena Shankta of Mumbai. Kareena competed in the 100 metre breast-stroke event in swimming, won the gold medal in the Under-17 category and also set a new national record. However there was a time for Kareena, a 10th standard student when she had to forego her training due to a knee injury. But Kareena and her mother did not lose courage and the result of that fortitude is evident in front of all of us today.

Prime Minister said, “We all know that National Games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we have decided to organize ‘Khelo India University Games’ every year on the pattern of ‘Khelo India Youth Games’” .

Next month the first edition of ‘Khelo India University Games’ is being organized in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22nd February to 1st March. And more than 3000 players have qualified for participating in these games.

Fit India

Prime Minister lauded the ‘Fit India School’ campaign for bringing positive results. He noted that more than 65,000 schools have obtained the ‘Fit India School’ certificates through online registration. He urged the rest of the schools in the country to integrate physical activity and sports with education and ensure that they become a ‘fit school’.

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To celebrate the spirit of India, the annual event Bharat Parv is being organised in Delhi this year too. Special Secretary & Financial Adviser of Ministry of Tourism Shri Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi will inaugurate the Bharat Parv tomorrow at Red fort ground in New Delhi. Bharat  Parv,  2020  is  being  celebrated  from  26th to 31st  January, 2020   in  front  of  Red  Fort  at  Gyan  Path  and  Red Fort grounds. The  objective of  Bharat Parv  is  to  encourage  Indians  to visit  different  tourism  places  of  India and to inculcate  the spirit  of  ‘Dekho  Apna  Desh’.

The  Central theme  of  this  year’s  Bharat  Parv  is   ‘Ek  Bharat  Shreshtha  Bharat’ and  ‘Celebrating  150 Years of  Mahatma Gandhi’. Bharat Parv will be open for the General Public on 26th January, at 5.00 PM till 10.00 PM.  On the remaining days 27^th to 31^st January, 2020 the Bharat  Parv would   be  open  from  12.00 Hrs  till  10.00 PM.

Bharat Parv have many attractions for public like display of Tableaux of the Republic Day parade, performance by armed forces bands, tourism theme pavilion by State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and line Ministries, handicraft & Handloom Stalls by the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Commission Handloom / Handicrafts / TRIFED, food Court by State Governments, Institutes of Hotel Management and other organizations, cultural Performances by North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) and State Governments / UT Administrations and cookery  demonstrations  by  State Governments  and Institute of  Hotel  Management.

Entry to the Bharat Parv  is  free though  the  visitors  will  have to show  their  identity proof  for  entering  the Parv.

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NB/AKJ/OA

On the occasion of Republic Day 2020, the Hon’ble President of India has awarded Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG), President’s Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Services and Police Medal (PM) for Meritorious Services to the following Railway Protection Force (RPF)/ Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel:

Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG):

1. Late Shri Jagbir Singh Rana, Constable/ Northern Railway (posthumously)

 

President’s Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Service

 

1. Shri Ambika Nath Mishra, Principal Chief Security Commissioner/Eastern Railway,
2. Shri Bharat Singh Meena, Commandant, 8 BN/RPSF.

 

Police Medal (PM) for Meritorious Service

 

1. Shri Yugal Kishore Joshi, DIG/RPF,
2. Shri Anil Kumar Sharma, Assistant Commandant/ RPSF,
3. Shri P. P. Joy, Assistant Security Commissioner/ Konkan Railway,
4. Shri Deep Chandra Arya, Assistant Security Commissioner/ Northern Railway,
5. Shri T. Chandrasekhar Reddy, Inspector/South Central Railway,
6. Shri K. Chakravarthi, Inspector/ South Central Railway,
7. Shri Satish Ingle, Head Constable/ South East Central Railway,
8. Shri Deo Kumar Gond, Sub-Inspector/Konkan Railway,
9. Shri G. S. Vijaykumar, Sub-Inspector/ Central Railway,
10. Shri D. Balasubrahmanyam, Sub-Inspector/Training Centre, Moula Ali,
11. Shri Mahfajul Haque, Inspector/4 BN RPSF,
12. Shri Darshan Lal, Sub-Inspector/ 6 BN RPSF,
13. Shri Nemee Chand Saini, Assistant Sub-Inspector/North Western Railway,
14. Shri Alok Kumar Chatterjee, Assistant Sub-Inspector/Eastern Railway,
15. Shri Ashok Kumar Yadav, Inspector/Western Railway.

 

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SG/AP

The Union Minister for Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi chaired review meeting of mineral exploration projects and activities of Rajasthan in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal was present in the meeting.  Senior representatives of Geological Survey of India (GSI), NLC India Limited and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) made presentations on the exploration related activities undertaken by them in Rajasthan.

 

The Mines Minister also took stock of the issues of the organizations related to exploration of minerals including Potash and Lignite in Rajasthan. He asked the representatives to expedite the projects in Rajasthan and directed them to take up the matter  with State Government.

 

Senior officials of the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Coal including Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Sh. Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal were also present.

 

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104 personnel have been awarded Fire Service Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day this year. Of these, President’s Fire Service Medal for Gallantry have been awarded to 13 personnel, Fire Service Medal for Gallantry have been awarded to 29 personnel, President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service to 12 personnel and Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service to 50 personnel.

49 personnel have also been awarded Home Guard & Civil Defence Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day this year. Of these, President’s HG & CD Medal for Distinguished Service have been awarded to 02 personnel and Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service to 47 personnel.

The list of Fire Service Medals and Home Guards & Civil Defence Medals awardees are enclosed as Annexure. 

ANNEXURE

FIRE SERVICE MEDALS AWARDED TO FIRE SERVICE PERSONNEL ON THE OCCASION OF REPUBLIC DAY, 2020 AS PER THE FOLLOWING DETAILS

President’s Fire Service Medal For Gallantry
	Delhi
1	Sh. Avtar Singh Asst. Divisional Officer
2	Sh. Vijender Pal Singh Fireman
	Karnataka
1	Sh. Ravishanker Hiriyannagowda Javagal Deputy Director
2	Sh. Naveen Malappa Pavaadi Fireman
3	Sh. Ashoka Kenchappa Vader Fireman
4	Sh. Siddappa Ramappa Uppaar Fireman Driver
5	Sh. Dharanesh Govindaiah Honnenahalli Fireman
	Uttar Pradesh
1	Sh. Sunil Kumar Singh Chief Fire Officer
2	Sh. Shrinarayan Singh Fire Station Officer
3	Sh. Sachin Saini Fireman
4	Sh. Jogendra Singh Fireman
5	Sh. Piyush Kumar Fireman
6	Sh. Yogendra Chaurasia Fire Station Officer
	Fire Service Medal For Gallantry
	Delhi
1	Sh. Anil Kumar Fireman
2	Sh. Ram Kumar Fire Operator
3	Sh. Arvind Dagar Fire Operator
	Maharashtra
1	Sh. Prabhat Surajlal Rahangdale Chief Fire Officer
2	Sh. Rajendra Abhaychandra Chaudhary Dy. Chief Officer
3	Sh. Ravindra Narayanrao Ambulgekar Divisional Fire Officer
4	Sh. Milind Namdeo Donde A.D.F.O.
5	Sh. Abhijit Gangaram Sawant Station Officer
6	Sh. Sudhir Ramesh Vartak Driver Operator
7	Sh. Dilip Mahadev Palav Dy. Chief Fire Officer
	Tamil Nadu
1	Sh. Sivakumar Pandiyarajan Station Officer
2	Sh. Mohan Sekar Fireman
3	Sh. Govindasamy Appavu Leading Fireman
4	Sh. Sathishkumar Palanisamy Fireman Driver
5	Sh. Durairaj Chinnusamy Fireman
	Uttar Pradesh
1	Sh. Ravindra Shankar Misra Chief Fire Officer
2	Sh. Ram Kumar Rawat Fire Service Officer
3	Sh. Dharmendra Kumar Mishra Fireman
4	Sh. Surya Pratap Singh Driver
5	Sh. Arun Kumar Singh Chief Fire Officer
6	Sh. Mamchand Bargujar Fire Station Officer
7	Sh. Rameshwar Leading Fireman
8	Sh. Satendra Kumar Bhati Fire Service Driver
9	Sh. Mahender Pratap Singh Chief Fire Officer
10	Sh. Siddh Nath Singh Leading Fireman
11	Sh. Sudesh Kumar Babu Fire Service Driver
12	Sh. Dharmendra Kanojia Fireman
13	Sh. Vishwa Pratap Singh Fireman
14	Sh. Sushil Kumar Fire Station Officer
	President’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service
	Delhi
1	Sh. Atul Garg Chief Fire Officer
2	Sh. Virendra Singh Dy. Chief Fire Officer
	Kerala
1	Sh. D. Balaram Babu Asst. Station Officer
2	Sh. Sree Kishore. P.S. Asst. Station Officer
	Odisha
1	Sh. Parsuram Barik Station Officer
2	Sh. Rabinarayan Behera Leading Fireman
	Uttar Pradesh
1	Sh. Nagendra Prasad Dwivedi Fire Service Second Officer
2	Sh. Jitendra Pratap Pandey Leading Fireman
	Uttarakhand
1	Sh. Anil Kumar Tyagi Fire Station Second Officer
	CISF, MHA
1	Sh. Rashpal Dass Asst. Sub Inspector (Fire)
2	Sh. Darmiyan Singh Asst. Sub Inspector (Fire)
3	Sh. A. Narayanan Asst. Sub Inspector (Fire)
	Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service
	Andaman & Nicobar
1	Sh. Suk Charan Mondal Head Constable
	Andhra Pradesh
1	Sh. Chintada Krupavaram District Fire Officer
2	Sh. B. Veerabhadra Rao Asst. District Fire Officer
	Bihar
1	Sh. Rajdev Prasad Sub-Officer
	Chhatisgarh
1	Sh. Shyam Sunder Yadav Fire Driver
	Dadra & Nagar Haveli
1	Sh. Prataprao Krishnrao Chauhan Sub-Officer
	Delhi
1	Sh. Debabrata  Mukherjee Divisional Officer
2	Sh. Rajinder Atwal Divisional Officer
3	Sh. Ashok Kumar Jaiswal Asst. Divisional Officer
4	Sh. Dhrambir Singh Fireman
	Goa
1	Sh. Dnyaneshwar S. Sawant Sub-Officer
	Himachal Pradesh
1	Sh. Sanjeev Kumar Sippy Station Fire Officer
2	Sh. Sudhakar Prasad Leading Fireman
	Karnataka
1	Sh. Mahesh  Renukaradhya Regional Fire Officer
2	Sh. M. Gopal Asst. Fire Station Officer
3	Sh. Kurubaru Revanna Siddappa Leading Fireman
4	Sh. Moidu Kunhi Kuntapadavu Fireman
	Kerala
1	Sh. Ajithkumar. P. Station Officer
2	Sh. Ayoob Ghan. A.V. Leading Fireman
	Maharashtra
1	Sh. Vithalrao Kailash Hiwrale Dy. Chief Fire Officer
2	Sh. Vijaykumar Narsingh Panigrahi Dy. Chief Fire Officer
3	Sh. Yeshwant Ramchandra Jadhav Dy. Chief Fire Officer
	Meghalaya
1	Sh. Aljwin Rani Leading Fireman
2	Sh. Anith Marak Leading Fireman
	Nagaland
1	Sh. T. Shilu Jamir Dy. SP (F&Es)
	Odisha
1	Sh. Anup Kumar Das Station Officer
2	Sh. Ajay Kumar Parija Station Officer
3	Sh. Malaya Kumar Mohanty Leading Fireman
4	Sh. Suryamani  Rout Driver Havildar
	Sikkim
1	Sh. Dilip Kumar  Darnal Asst. Sub Fire Officer/Driver
	Tamil Nadu
1	Sh. Syed Mohamed Shah Syed  Yusuff District Officer
2	Sh. Panneer Selvam Rajappa Mudaliyar Station Officer
3	Sh. Sagayaraj Raju Fireman
4	Sh. Murugesan Arumugam Fireman
	Telangana
1	Sh. Raj Kumar Janagama Station Fire Officer
2	Sh. Bhaskar Rao Kamatala Fireman
	Tripura
1	Sh. Aniruddha Dey Fireman
	Uttar Pradesh
1	Sh. Matlub Hussain Fire Station Officer
2	Sh. Ainuddin Khan Leading Fireman
3	Sh. Harigyan Singh Tomar Fire Service Driver
	Uttarakhand
1	Sh. Sunil Kumar Singh Fire Service Driver
2	Sh. Rakesh Kumar Leading Fireman
	West Bengal
1	Sh. Gopal Chandra Chatterjee Station Officer
2	Sh. Dipankar Das Sub-Officer
3	Sh. Pratip Kumar Bose Fire Operator
	CISF, MHA
1	Sh. Damodar Jayawant Thakur Asst. Sub Inspector (Fire)
2	Sh. Mahendra Kumar Sharma Head Constable (Fire)
	M/O Pet. & Natural Gas
1	Sh. Karan Vir Singh General Manager ( Fire & Safety), HPCL
2	Sh. Dipen Gayan Operator-II (Fire Engine), OIL
	M/O Defence
1	Sh. Surendra Manohar Ghag Leading Hand Naval Dockyard, Mumbai

HOME GUARDS AND CIVIL DEFENCE MEDALS AWARDED TO HG & CD PERSONNEL ON THE OCCASION OF REPUBLIC DAY 2020 AS PER THE FOLLOWING DETAILS

President’s Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal For Distinguished  Service
Goa
1	Shri John Carlos Aguiar Honorary Company Commander (HG)
Odisha
1	Shri Barun Kumar Mitra Company Commander(HG)
Home Guards & Civil Defence Medal For Meritorious Service
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
1	Smt. J. Girija Kumari HG(R)/140
2	Shri  T. Raveendran HG(R)/246
3	Shri  C. Velu Samy HG(R)/41
Assam
1	Shri Simanta Sarmah Assistant Deputy Controller (Sr)Civil Defence
2	Shri Mathur Mohan Kalita Constable(HG)
3	Shri Bhupen Hazarika Home Guard Volunteer
4	Shri Dhiren Chandra Deka Havilder(HG)
Bihar
1	Shri Parag Kumar Sinha Company Commandar(HG)
2	Shri Ajit Kumar Upadhyay Company Commandar (HG)
3	Shri Arun Pandey Home Guard
Chandigarh
1	Shri Baldev Raj Honorary Platoon Commander (HG)
2	Shri Inderpal Singh Home Guard Volunteer
Chhattisgarh
1	Shri Shiv Kumar Kathutiya District Commandant (HG)
2	Shri Balram Dhruw Home Guard Sainik
Goa
1	Shri Raulu Dataram Gawas Honorary Section Leader (HG)
2	Shri Santan Francis Dias Home Guard Volunteer
Gujarat
1	Shri Jagjivanbhai Jethabhai Makwana Section Leader (HG)
2	Shri Jashvantsinh Muljibhai Gadhavi Company Commander (HG)
3	Smt. Nimisha Rameshchandra Patel Platoon Sergent (HG)
4	Shri Jayram Karshanbhai Desai Sub-Inspector Instructor (HG)
5	Shri Pravinkumar Bhupatbhai Bhatt Sub-Inspector Instructor (HG)
6	Shri Haribhai Narsinhbhai Parmar Sub-Inspector Instructor (HG)
7	Shri Vibhakar Natvarlal Antani Leader (CD)
Himachal Pradesh
1	Shri Hari Swaroop Sharma Commandant (HG)
2	Shri Luder Mani Company Commander (HG)
3	Smt. Urmila Devi Platoon Commander (HG)
4	Shri Chet Ram Home Guard
Karnataka
1	Shri S. Murugeshan Unit Officer (HG)
2	Shri K. Rajapeer Platoon Commander (HG)
3	Shri Hanumantaraya Iranna Ilager Company Sergeant Major  (HG)
4	Dr. B. H. Veerappa Commandant (HG)
5	Shri Imtiyaz Allabakash Kamdod Driver (HG)
6	Shri HullanasaTulajanasaTulasikatti Platoon Sergeant (HG)
7	Shri Nambur Panduranga Nagendra Babu Divisional Warden (CD)
Meghalaya
1	Shri Newstarland Wanniang Havildar (HG)
Odisha
1	Shri Sidharth Sankar Pati Home Guard-225
2	Shri Khiroj Kumar Das Civil Defence Volunteer
3	Shri Bauri Bandhu Bej Civil Defence Volunteer
Tamil Nadu
1	Shri Kannan Ravi Company Commander (HG)
2	Shri J. Lesly Company Commander (HG)
3	Shri Jayaraman Sugumar Area Commander (HG)
Tripura
1	Shri Subal Ranjan Datta Home Guard Volunteer
2	Smt. Uma Laxmi Debbarma Women Home Guard Volunteer
Uttar Pradesh
1	Shri Ramesh Singh Leading Fireman (CD)
Uttarakhand
1	Smt. Hema Karki Paid Inspector (HG)
2	Shri Satish Agarwal Chief Warden (CD)
3	Shri Rajesh Kumar Sonker Wireless Operator (CD)

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Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. This year the President has approved conferment of 141 Padma Awards including 4 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises of 7 Padma Vibhushan, 16 Padma Bhushan and 118 Padma Shri Awards. 33 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 18 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 12 Posthumous awardees.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare held a high level review meeting with senior officers of the Health Ministry, ICMR and NCDC, here today, to analyse the current situation, preparedness and steps being taken for prevention and management of Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) in India. “The situation is being closely monitored at the highest level for adequate preparedness. All the officials of my Ministry, concerned departments and States/UTs have been put on high alert for Novel Coronavirus. We are taking all required possible precautions to manage all possible scenarios”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated.

The Union Health Minister is personally reviewing and monitoring the preparedness on a daily basis. He is also in regular contact with Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO SEARO for technical support and guidance in the matter.

Dr Harsh Vardhan has spoken to Chief Minister of Uttarakhand today and assured all support for screening at the border with Nepal, where a confirmed nCoV case has been reported.  He is also writing to the Chief Ministers of States requesting for their personal intervention to review the State preparedness for control and management of nCoV.

The Union Health Minister has directed for multidisciplinary central teams to be formed and sent to the seven states where thermal screening is being done at the seven designated airports (New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi). The central team shall consist of a public health expert, a clinician and a microbiologist. The teams shall reach the respective states tomorrow. They shall review the end-to-end preparedness for management and control of nCoV in the states including that at the airports, for thermal screening and transferring of patients to hospitals for isolation, and shall also visit the tertiary hospitals attached to the airports for reviewing the isolation wards and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks etc. They shall also review whether the infection control, surveillance and other guidelines are being followed. The teams shall coordinate with the State Health Secretaries to explore all avenues for further supporting and strengthening the states’ preparedness.

Under directions by Dr Harsh Vardhan, a 24×7 NCDC Call Centre (+91-11-23978046) has been made operational. The said Call Centre will monitor the list of contacts furnished by MEA; provide details of district and state surveillance officers to those who seek them; and in case of any clinical query, direct the concerned to the relevant Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) officer. The Union Health Minister has urged the passengers who have a travel history to China since 1^st January 2020 to come forward for self-reporting to the nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough, respiratory distress etc., and also inform their treating doctor.

Dr Harsh Vardhan stated that no nCoV case has been detected in the country so far. However, eleven (11) persons have been put under observation; out of samples taken from these 11 individuals, samples of four passengers have been confirmed to be negative for nCoV by the ICMR-NIV Pune lab. He added that timely measures and promptness of the officials of Union Health Ministry has resulted into vigilant actions. He also commended the media for creating awareness among the people.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that various steps have been taken up and continual efforts are being made by Health Ministry in close coordination with Ministry of Civil Aviation, MEA, State Governments and WHO. Close monitoring is being undertaken for all the passengers who are arriving from China and Hong Kong across 7 International Airports in India. All the passengers are undergoing thermal screening. Travel advisory/signages has been extended to 12 more airports in addition to the current seven. Advisory has also been issued to all States/UTs for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance to pick up any travel related case reported in the community and follow up contacts of suspect/confirmed cases. He added that the Ministry has issued guidelines for Surveillance and Contact Tracing; Infection Control; Lab Sample Testing and Clinical Care.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan added that National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune is fully geared up to test samples of nCoV. Ten other laboratories under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)’s Viral Research and Diagnostics Laboratories (VRDL) network are also equipped to test such samples, if a need arises. Adequate stock of PPE is being maintained by Medical Stores Organization for airports, hospitals and laboratory use.

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MV

India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during the 71^st Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath, here tomorrow. Anti-satellite weapon – Mission Shakthi developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Army’s battle tank Bhishma, infantry combat vehicles, Air Forces’ newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters, in addition to tableaux depicting Akash and Astra missiles and Navy’s prowess will be showcased during the 90-minute long parade. Twenty tableaux – 16 from States and Union Territories and six from various Ministries/Departments depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress will roll down the Rajpath.School children will convey age old message of yoga and spiritual values through dance and music and Indian Air Force aircraft will thunder in the sky projecting the air power.

President Shri Ram Nath Kovind will host this year’s chief guest President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mr Jair MessiasBolsonaro. The 38th President of Brazil, President Bolsonaro assumed office on January 01, 2019. Under his leadership, Brazil has successfully completed the pro-tempore presidency of the association of five major emerging national economies known as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

The relations between India and Brazil are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values and a commitment to foster inclusive economic growth for the welfare of the people of both countries. Brazil was the first Latin American nation to establish diplomatic relations with India in 1948. The ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, opening a new phase in the bilateral relations.

The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial near India Gate. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath. This is for the first time that the Prime Minister will pay homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.

As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade will commence with President Shri Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Subedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winners Major General Cyrus APithawalla (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel D Sreeram Kumar and Naib Subedar (Honorary) ChheringMutup (Retd) will follow the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers will be 61 Cavalry led by Captain Deepanshu Sheoran. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 01, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.

The Indian Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, eight mechanised columns, six marching contingents and fly-past by Rudra and Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation.

Indigenously-developed Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP)-II, K-9 VAJRA-T, Dhanush Gun System, newly-inducted five-metre Short Span Bridging System, Sarvatra Bridge System, Transportable Satellite Terminal and Akash weapon system will be the main attraction in the mechanised columns.

The other marching contingents of the Army will include the Parachute Regiment, the Grenadiers Regiment, the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, the Kumaon Regiment and the Corps of Signals. The Combined Band of the Armoured Corps Centre & School, Madras Engineers Group & Centre and Artillery Regimental Centre, the Combined Band of 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre, 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Kumaon Regimental Centre and Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre will also march past the saluting dais.

Marching for the first time on Republic Day will be the contingent of the Corps of Army Air Defence. It will be followed by The Combined Band of Combined Band of Bengal Engineers Group & Centre, Brigade OF Guards Training Centre, 3 Electronics & Mechanical Engineers Centre and Madras Regimental Centre.

The Naval contingent will comprise of 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant JitinMalkat as Contingent Commander. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau titled ‘Indian Navy – Silent, Strong, and Swift’. The fore part of the tableau showcases the might and fire power of Navy in all three dimensions, while the next part exhibits the Navy’s commitment to nation building.

The Air Force contingent, comprising of 144 air warriors, will be led by Flight Lieutenant Shrikant Sharma. The Air Force tableau showcases scaled down models of the Rafale aircraft, the Tejas aircraft, the Light Combat Helicopter, the Akash Missiles System and the Astra Missiles.

The Veterans’ tableau, marking the recognition and respect to the soldiers’ selfless service to the nation, will showcase the theme ‘Force behind the Force’.

One of the main highlights will be the marching contingent of DRDO that will showcase Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) – Mission Shakti. ASAT (Anti-Satellite) weapons play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence. Mission Shakti, India’s first Anti-Satellite (ASAT) mission, was a major breakthrough in demonstrating the nation’s Anti-Satellite technology. The second equipment of DRDO will be the Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) used for volumetric surveillance, detection, tracking and friend/foe identification of aerial targets of different types and transmission of prioritised target data to multiple command posts/weapon systems.

The Indian Coast Guard marching contingent will be led by Deputy Commandant Gaurav Sharma. The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is ‘VayamRakshamah’ meaning ‘We Protect’.

The contingents of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Police and Border Security Force (BSF) will also march past the saluting dais. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Boys Marching contingent will be led by Commander Junior Under-Officer Charandeep Singh Bhaduria, NCC Directorate Uttar Pradesh, while the Girls contingent will be headed by Senior Under-Officer Shreeshma Hegde, NCC Directorate, Karnataka & Goa. The National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent comprising 148 volunteers will also take part. The Massed Pipes and Drums Band of the Indian Army will also be on display.

Sixteen tableaux from various states/union territories will be showcased during the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country. Six tableaux from different ministries/departments will also be on display, showcasing various far-reaching reforms of the Government including ‘Startup India’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojna’ and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’. The glorious past and vibrant future of the Kolkata Port Trust is the theme of the tableau of Ministry of Shipping.

The proud winners of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar will follow in Jeeps. The children were conferred the award for exceptional achievements in the fields of bravery, social service, art and culture, sports, innovation and scholastic. It will be followed by children’s pageant comprising over 600 participants. The cultural show will be led by Arvind Gupta DAV Centenary Public School, Model Town, Delhi on the theme ‘Yog – Vishwa Shakti ki Ore’. ‘The Baul’, a group of mystic minstrels from the historical Bengal region, is the theme of Vinay Nagar Bengali Senior Secondary School, Sarojini Nagar, Delhi. The children from Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya B-Block, JanakPuri, New Delhi will perform on the theme ‘Mharo Rang Rangilo Rajasthan’. West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur will present ‘Garba – the folk dance of Gujarat’.

For the first time, a contingent of women bikers of CRPF will perform daredevil stunts. The contingent will be led by Inspector Seema Nag who will be seen saluting while standing atop a moving motorcycle. The bikers will perform several daring acts on moving bikes before a human pyramid on multiple motorcycles bring up the rear.

The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade, the Fly Past will comprise of the ‘Trishul’ formation by three ALH helicopters. It is for the first time that a “Tri-service Formation” is taking part in the Republic Day Parade. It will be followed by the ‘Vic’ formation of Chinook helicopters, used for airlifting diverse loads to remote locations. Apache helicopters, Dornier aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Netra, an Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft and the ‘Globe’ formation comprising three C-17 Globemasters are some of the other highlights. Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft and five MiG-29 Upgrade Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation will enthral the audience before the exhilarating Trishul manoeuvre by Su-30 MKIs. The parade will culminate with a Su-30 MKI splitting the sky with a breath taking ‘Vertical Charlie’ aerobatic manoeuvre.

The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of balloons.

 

(a)   Summary of gallantry and distinguished service awards to Army  personnel on the occasion of 26 Jan 2020. 

(b)      List of all gallantry and distinguished service awardees. 

(c)      Citation of  Shaurya Chakra Awardees 

(d)      Photographs of Shaurya Chakra Awardees

 

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Col Aman Anand