India on Friday celebrated its 69th year of becoming a Republic, amid programmes across the country and abroad marking the day.
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind,Prime Minister Narendra Modiand leaders of ASEAN nations attended the Republic Day parade in the national capital.
In States across the country, Governors and Chief Ministers took the salute, Indian media reported.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind defined every citizen as a pillar of the Republic - the soldier who defends, the farmer who feeds, the mother who nurtures, the doctor who heals, the scientist who innovates to the wise tribal who conserves ecology to the youth in whom lie the energy and in children who dream - the President identified "selflessness" at the heart of the "national project," reports The Indian Express.
In Dhaka, flag hoisting on 69th Republic Day in saw a record and enthusiastic participation of 800 Indian nationals.
Special features were the Indian Navy band; announcement of award of AVSM to Air Commodore Inder Walia, NDC, Bangladesh; and vibrant cultural performances by Indian community in Dhaka on 'Unity in Diversity' them.
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