Indian Prime Minister Modi extends wishes on Republic Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday extended their wishes to the people on the occasion of Republic Day.

"Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!," the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.

Home Minister Amit Shah in his greetings paid tributes to the soldiers who have kept the country's integrity intact.

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"I bow to all the soldiers who have dedicated their lives to keep the pride, unity and integrity of Indian Republic intact," the Minister said.

Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday. Reuters

He further asked all the countrymen to take a pledge on the day to ensure India's commitment to the democratic values of freedom.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said this is an occasion to celebrate our democracy and cherish the ideas and values enshrined in our Constitution.

"Praying for the continued progress and prosperity of our country," he said.

Earlier on the eve of Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation and called it "an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indianness".

India’s ITBP “Daredevils” motorcycle riders perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Reuters

Modi on Wednesday wore a cap from Uttarakhand and a stole from Manipur on the Republic Day function.

The cap had a Brahma kamal flower embossed on it. Brahma kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand and Prime Minister Modi uses this flower whenever he does pooja at Kedarnath. Apart from white kurta with a jacket, PM Modi was seen wearing a Manipuri stole also.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thanked PM Modi for representing the state's culture and tradition in front of the world. "Today, on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the culture and tradition of our state proud by wearing the cap of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, adorned with Brahma Kamal. On behalf of the 1.25 crore people of Uttarakhand, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister," Dhami tweeted.

Dancers perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday. Reuters

Both Manipur and Uttarakhand are going to the polls in a few weeks.

Prime Minister Modi makes a statement by wearing a dress or accessories from different states on important occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and other occasions.

While taking Covid vaccination shot last year, he wore a gamcha. Last year on Republic Day, Modi wore a red Gujarati headgear.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi greeted people on the occasion of Republic Day. "Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Indo-Asian News Service