The Chandigarh Administration celebrated the 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at the Parade Ground, Sector-17, Chandigarh, today. The Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The Chief Secretary laid wreath at the War Memorial, Bougainvillea Garden, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country.

The celebrations began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Chief Secretary, followed by the inspection of the Guard of Honour. A disciplined and impressive march past by Police contingents and NCC cadets filled the atmosphere with pride and patriotism.

The Republic Day parade also featured colourful and informative tableaus presented by various departments of the Chandigarh Administration, each highlighting important social and developmental themes.

The Indian Red Cross Society tableau showcased the theme “Keeping Humanity Alive”, while the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee presented “Chandigarh – Towards Sustainable Development with Clean Air”.
The Education Department highlighted “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, and the Science & Technology and Renewable Energy Department showcased “PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana”.
A tableau by a renowned drone innovator depicted the theme “Drone Man of India”. The Health Department focused on “TB Free Chandigarh”, while the Municipal Corporation showcased “Swachh Swaari”.
The Engineering Department highlighted “Energy Efficiency – The Green Power of Self-Reliant India”, the Industries Department presented “MSME: Engine for Growth and Innovation”, and the Forest Department conveyed the message “Jal, Jungle and Land – Yahi Prakriti Ka Santulan Hai Aur Yahi Humare Bhavishya Ki Kunji Bhi”.
The Fire & Rescue Services Department highlighted the importance of “Fire Safety in Public Assembly Buildings – Importance of Fixed Firefighting Systems”.

Adding colour and energy to the celebrations, students from various schools, colleges and GRIID of Chandigarh presented vibrant cultural performances, which were among the major highlights of the event.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices ensured India’s independence. He said that the Indian Constitution reflects India’s ancient democratic values combined with modern constitutional principles. Emphasising the importance of 26th January, he said that the adoption of the Constitution reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, which continue to guide India’s democratic journey.

Highlighting Chandigarh’s achievements, the Chief Secretary said that Chandigarh Police recorded the fastest emergency response time in the country, averaging 5.6 minutes in 2025, supported by Quick Response Team motorcycles and strengthened policing infrastructure. He informed that UT Chandigarh has achieved 100 per cent saturation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, with 60 centres operational, and that a new Emergency and Trauma Block at GMCH-32 has been completed, significantly strengthening emergency healthcare services.
He further stated that Chandigarh has been declared a Fully Literate Union Territory under the ULLAS programme and secured first position among all UTs in the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan. Emphasising sports development, he said that world-class sports infrastructure is being strengthened, including a comprehensive Sports Complex at Sector-42 with an international-standard indoor multipurpose hall. He also highlighted that Chandigarh secured first position in the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 and became the first city in the country to achieve 100 per cent solar saturation of all government buildings.

During the celebrations, commendation certificates were awarded to 32 employees of the Chandigarh Administration and members of the general public for outstanding services in the fields of public service, art and culture, social service and sports. Five police personnel were awarded the President’s Police Medal, while 25 police personnel were conferred the Administrator’s Police Medal for their distinguished and meritorious services.

The Overall Best Contingent Trophy (Gold Plated) was awarded to Chandigarh Police, led by Ms. Kanwar Deep Kaur, SSP (UT).
In the Police Contingent category, Chandigarh Police (Male) won the first prize, CRPF secured the second position, and Chandigarh Police District-I (Female) stood third.

In the Home Guard / Civil Defence / Fire Brigade category, the Chandigarh Civil Defence Platoon bagged the first prize, followed by Chandigarh Fire Services in second place, while the Chandigarh Home Guard Platoon secured the third position.

Under the St. John Ambulance Brigade / Road Safety / Platoon Scouts & Guides category, GMSSS-26 won the first prize, GMSSS-10 Ambulance Brigade stood second, and GMSSS-32 (Girls) secured the third position.

In the NSS (School) category, SGHSS-40 (Boys) bagged the first position, followed by Dev Samaj-21 (Girls) in second place, while Shivalik School-41 (Boys) stood third.
In the NSS (College) category, NSS PGGC-11 won the first prize, NSS Open Unit-1 secured the second position, and NSS PGGC-42 stood third.

In the School Band category, Motiram Arya Senior Secondary School, Sector-27 bagged the first prize, Sacred Heart School, Sector-26 secured the second position, and New Public School, Sector-18 stood third.

In the Tableau category, the Science & Renewable Energy tableau won the first prize, followed by the Education Department in second place, while the Fire & Rescue Services tableau secured the third prize.

In the Cultural Programme Trophy, “Vande Mataram” presented by GGMSSS-20B bagged the first prize, the Haryanvi and Bhangra performance by GGMSSS-37B secured the second position, while an item presented by Special Students stood third.

The Chief Secretary also declared a holiday tomorrow for all government and private schools.

Also present on the occasion were Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, DGP, Chandigarh Police; Sh. Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary; Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner along with senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration and Chandigarh Police, and a large number of patriotic citizens of the City Beautiful.