GUWAHATI, Jan 27 � Defying militants� diktat, journalists and conscious citizens of Assam on Monday�celebrated the 66th Republic Day at Guwahati Press Club. Hoisting the National Flag, journalist Pramod Kalita called upon one and all to pay respect to the Tri-colour, which symbolizes the spirit of freedom and also the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
Kalita pointed out that India, unlike many of its neighbours, had maintained the spirit of democracy since the days of Independence. He, however, said that every Indian must be cautious against anti-national elements and also some veiled entities pretending to be progressive, secular and patriotic.
Earlier, journalists Rupam Barua and Ranen Kumar Goswami described how a section of journalists took the challenge to defy the diktat of separatists in 1998 and hoisted the National Flag in the Press Club and continued the spirit to observe both the Republic Day and Independence Day.
Journalists and citizens then took out a procession raising patriotic slogans.
The day was observed at Panjabari under the joint auspices of Panjabari Senior Citizens� Association and Brihattar Panjabari Sahitya Sabha (BPSS) on Monday.
Octogenarian social worker Bhabendranath Deka, while hoisting the Tri-colour appealed to the younger generation to learn lessons from great sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and martyrs for the cause of the country.
Actor Pranjal Saikia who addressed the function as chief guest admitted that the elder generation in India had during the last few decades of independence committed many blunders � politically and socially -- resulting in lawlessness and violence in the country. He hoped that a new climate of self-sacrifice and positive thinking would be generated in the country where there would be no place for corruption, terrorism, communal hatred, and social irresponsibility.
Ranajit Sutradhar, while explaining the day�s significance, said that it was a misfortune that a few anti-national organizations had the temerity to prevent the people of Assam from observing Independence Day and Republic Day in an atmosphere of peace and amity.
Orion Hazarika, a winner of Little Champs contest, members of Kala Sainik, and woman members under the leadership of Urmila Charavartty presented patriotic songs.
The Don Bosco School, Panbazar, Guwahati celebrated the day at the school basketball courts. The Tri-colour was hoisted by school Rector and Principal Fr. Sebastian Mathew in presence of Vice Principal Fr. Xavier Beck, school�s retired science teacher Kartick Kumar Phukan, members of the school�s teaching staff and support staff, scouts, and cadets from the school�s NCC Army and Navy units as well as parents and guardians.
In his speech, Fr. Sebastian recalled the pioneering efforts of the founding fathers of the Constitution and urged everyone to become responsible citizens of the country.
A ceremony was organized by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) where the National Flag was hoisted at the LGBI Airport, Guwahati, by the PSR Sudhakar, RED, AAI, in the presence of A K Verma, APD, AAI and Arun Singh, Sr Commandant, CISF, other senior officers of AAI, CISF, Airlines, State Government and other agencies.
A contingent of CISF personnel presented the guard of honour to the National Flag.
The NF Railway also observed the occasion. RS Virdi, General Manager unfurled the Tri-colour and took salute at the NFR�s Maligaon headquarters. The day was celebrated in the Guwahati Frontier of BSF at Patgaon with enthusiasm. The sector headquarters and battalions under the frontier celebrated the day, with P Raju unfurling the Tri-colour.
The day was celebrated at the Sector II playground of Guwahati Refinery with due grandeur and enthusiasm. Jogen Barpujari, GM, Guwahati Refinery, unfurled the national tri-colour at the playground in presence of a large gathering including Refinery employees and their family members. In his address, Barpujari emphasised on India transitioning into a supreme economic power and the roles and responsibilities of Indian Oil Corporation.
He also mentioned about the first prize won by Guwahati Refinery for the �Furnance/ Boiler Efficiency Survey� for Refineries and also mentioned about the Jawaharlal Nehru Centenary (2013-14) award under Special Award category for �Best Reduction in Specific Energy Consumption over the previous year� and thus credited the hard work of all the employees due to which all this has been possible.
�As we celebrate this Republic Day, let us come together and join hands and put forward our voice for the freedom to dream , weave them into realities and also the opportunity to create a better life not just for ourselves but also for the people of our nation,� Barpujari said. Students and children from the three residential colonies of Guwahati Refinery performed patriotic songs and dances. The CISF jawans exhibited skills with their arms and ammunition as well as the display of the dog squad, which became of the major attraction for all.
The State Bank of India, local head office also reported celebration of the day. Sanjay Kumar Magoo, Chief General Manager, SBI, North East Circle unfurled the Tri-colour, followed by chorus of the National anthem and guard of honour. In his speech, Magoo exhorted the employees to commit themselves afresh for the nation in discharging their official duties. The highlight of the programme included singing of patriotic songs by the wards of employees.
Magoo also felicitated Rubik Cubing champion Kabyanil Talukdar of Assam who won two gold medals and one bronze medal in the last Asian Rubik Cubing championship held in Japan. Mahendra A Aditya and Panna Lal Das, both GMs along with other executive and employees attended the programme with their family.
