- Republic Day Reception Held at Lok Bhavan
On the occasion of Republic Day, a reception ceremony was organised on Monday at Lok Bhavan. Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav exchanged Republic Day greetings with the visitors.
Panchayat, Rural Development and Labour Minister Shri Prahlad Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Vimukt, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Welfare Smt. Krishna Gaur, Mayor Smt. Malti Rai and MLA and State President Shri Hemant Khandelwal were present on the occassion.
At the Lok Bhavan reception, the Chief Minister welcomed the Governor by presenting him with a bouquet. The cultural programme featured Padma Shri awardee folk singer Malini Awasthi, whose musical and folk renditions vividly revived memories of the freedom struggle. The programme began with the timeless composition ‘Batohiya’ by Suriname-based poet Raghuvir Prasad, evoking a heartfelt remembrance of the glory of the Indian land.
A Kajri-style presentation of the banned revolutionary composition ‘Kitne Veer Jhule Jhulaaye, Beimaan Jhoolanwa’ reflected public anger against British rule. In Mathura’s folk style Rasia, the song ‘Jang Mein Pakad Loongi Talwar’ powerfully expresses the self-respect and valour of Indian women. The bravery of Mangal Pandey resonated through the Alha tradition of Awadh. Compositions such as ‘Hind Ka Bagiya Gulzar Na Rah Jaaye’ by Vidyadharini Bai of Kashi and the Gorakhpur folk song ‘Paisa Ka Lobhi Firangiya’ gave voice to popular resistance against British exploitation. Inspired by the Quit India Movement, ‘Mantra Yahi Hai, Tantra Yahi Hai, Mantra Vande Mataram’ filled the atmosphere with patriotic fervour. The performances concluded with a Phag-style rendition of Bahadur Shah Zafar’s lines ‘Loot Gayi Bagiya Saari, Jal Gayi Phulwari’, vividly expressing nationalism through folk art.
Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana, Padma awardees, judges, chairpersons of commissions, corporations and boards, Kulgurus of universities, MLAs, panchayat representatives, public representatives, religious leaders of various faiths, office-bearers of political and social organisations, chancellors of private universities, senior officials from the Army, Police, Administration, Judicial Services and the Government of India, doctors, journalists, sportspersons, meritorious students, outstanding athletes, distinguished citizens and workers who have made exemplary contributions in the field of rural development.