Patriotic spirit marks Republic Day 2026 celebrations across Jammu Division
JAMMU, JANUARY 26: The Republic Day celebrations were held today across the Jammu division amid elaborate security arrangements.
Impressive celebrations featured march-past by the contingents, band performances and scintillating cultural programmes highlighting national unity and regional diversity.
The celebrations were held smoothly across the Jammu region, reflecting the seamless preparedness of the respective administrations.
AT DODA: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great zeal, enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at the Sports Stadium.
Chairman District Development Council (DDC), Dhananter Singh Kotwal, the chief guest, unfurled the National Flag amid a melodious recitation of the National Anthem by students. A large gathering witnessed the grand celebrations.
The Chief Guest inspected the parade and took the salute of the march past presented by contingents of CRPF, SSB, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Jammu and Kashmir First Women Battalion, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, NCC Senior and Junior Divisions, Government Degree College, Government Higher Secondary School Boys and students from various government and private schools. The impressive parade showcased discipline, dedication and collective commitment to the nation.
The event was attended by Vice Chairperson DDC, Sangeeta Rani; Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh; SSP, Sandeep Kumar Mehta; ADC, Anil Kumar Thakur; CPO, Manesh Kumar Manhas, district officers, representatives of various political parties and several distinguished dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Dhananter Singh Kotwal extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day. He paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation and also remembered the army personnel who lost their lives in an unfortunate accident in Bhaderwah.
Highlighting India’s remarkable progress, he said the country has achieved significant growth across all sectors and is moving steadily towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He appreciated the Government’s efforts in strengthening road connectivity, noting that nearly 90 percent of villages have now been connected and highlighted major road projects inaugurated recently. He also lauded improvements in education and healthcare infrastructure, successful implementation of HADP and JKCIP initiatives across panchayats, promotion of tourism through events like winter festivals and river rafting and ongoing campaigns such as Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and environmental conservation drives. He also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the District Administration under the DC Doda and emphasized the constructive role of the media in nation-building.
The celebrations were further enriched by vibrant cultural performances presented by students of various government and private schools, Police Public School Doda and artists associated with Kala Utsav and the Education Department.
The programme began with the soulful rendition of Vande Mataram to mark its 150 glorious years, followed by patriotic songs, skits and colourful folk performances in Gojri, Dogri, Seraji, Bhaderwahi and Kashmiri, highlighting the district’s rich cultural heritage. The event concluded with the distribution of mementos to participating schools, officers and officials in recognition of their outstanding performances and contributions.
AT BHADERWAH: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated at Bhaderwah with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at the New Bus Stand.
The function was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bhaderwah, Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, who unfurled the National Tricolour and took the salute during an impressive march past. The march past was presented by contingents of J&K Armed Police, NCC Senior Division Government Degree College (GDC) Bhaderwah, NCC Junior Division (Boys and Girls) Higher Secondary School Bhaderwah, along with students from various government and private schools.
The programme was attended by ASP Bhaderwah, CEO BDA, DFO Bhaderwah, Tehsildar Bhaderwah, BMO Bhaderwah, EO MCB, Naib Tehsildar Bhaderwah, senior citizens and various officers and officials from all sub-divisions.
AT UDHAMPUR: District Development Council Chairperson, Udhampur, Lal Chand, today unfurled the National flag at Government PG Degree College Boys, Udhampur and took the salute at an impressive march-past comprising 31 contingents drawn from District Police, SKPA, Volunteer Home Guards, NCC and Police Band.
DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Sarah Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai, SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure, ADDC Jugal Kishore, DDC members, ADC Prem Singh, besides senior officers from the District Administration, Police, Army, BSF, CRPF, Air Force and prominent citizens of the district were present on the occasion.
While addressing the mammoth gathering, the DDC Chairperson said that the Constitution of independent India was implemented on 26 January 1950, providing fundamental rights to every citizen. He said Republic Day is a momentous occasion to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and to remember the struggles and sacrifices of freedom fighters who secured independence for the nation.
He added that Republic Day is not merely a festival but a celebration of India’s democratic traditions and national values. On 26 January 1950, India adopted its Constitution, establishing the country as sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic. Justice, equality and freedom, he said and added that these are not merely words but the soul of India.
Highlighting developmental initiatives in the district, the Chairperson said that under the visionary leadership of Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and the present Central Government and J&K Administration, Jammu and Kashmir is steadily progressing on the path of development and prosperity with the spirit of “One Nation, One Vision, One Identity”. Udhampur district, he said, is emerging as a leading example of growth with several major projects completed and new initiatives underway.
He termed the NH-244 Chenani–Sudh Mahadev project as a historic achievement for the district, with nearly 94 percent work completed. The project, he said, will boost religious tourism and also provide a secure alternate access route to the Kashmir Valley.
In rural connectivity, he informed that under PMGSY, over 3,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed connecting 358 habitations.
On healthcare, he said the Government Medical College Udhampur is a major milestone, with 300 MBBS students studying in three batches.
Referring to agriculture, the Chairperson DDC said that under PM-KISAN, over 54,000 farmers have received assistance of more than Rs.229 crore, while over 41,000 farmers have been provided Kisan Credit Cards.
Under Mission YUVA, he said more than 2,200 applications have been received, over 1,500 cases approved.
The DDC Chairperson appreciated the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai for accelerating development and commended the Indian Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, paramilitary forces and District Police Udhampur for their unwavering service.
A scintillating cultural programme showcasing patriotism, rich heritage and theme-based skits was presented by students and artists, enthralling the audience.
At Ramnagar, the Republic Day function was held at Government Model Higher Secondary School, where SDM Ramnagar unfurled the Tricolour.
Similarly, Republic Day functions were organised at Tehsil, Sub-Divisional and Niabat levels across District Udhampur with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour.
AT RAMBAN: Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC), Dr. Shamshad Shan unfurled the Tricolor at the District Police Lines.
The Chairperson inspected the parade comprising 23 contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, IRP, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, NCC and students from local schools and took the salute.
The event was attended by MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, DIG DKR Range Shridhar Patil; Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan, SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, SSP Traffic Raja Adil Hameed, ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, Commandant CRPF N. Ranveer Singh, DDC Councillors, senior officers of the civil administration and police, prominent citizens, locals and students from various educational institutions.
While extending Republic Day greetings to the gathering, the Chairperson highlighted key developmental milestones achieved in the district. She underlined the enhanced travel comfort on NH-44 after the completion of vital tunnels and viaducts between Nashri and Banihal. Further, she congratulated the people on the commencement of the Katra–Banihal rail section under the USBRL project.
Listing the developmental achievements, she informed that a total of 2,183 works have been sanctioned under the District Capex Budget 2025–26, while 33,565 PMAY-G and Awas Plus houses have been completed against a target of 35,479, involving an expenditure of ₹449 crore and work on 1,914 houses is underway.
The Chairperson also highlighted achievements in the Health, Education, PMGSY, Jal Shakti, JPDCL, Agriculture and allied sectors. She lauded the District Administration for effective implementation of developmental projects and flagship schemes. She also appreciated the people of Ramban for maintaining peace, communal harmony and brotherhood.
The celebrations featured a colorful cultural programme presented by local artists and students, showcasing patriotic songs and thematic performances that enthralled the audience. Prizes and awards were distributed by the Chief Guest among outstanding officers, officials, students, artists and social workers in recognition of their exemplary contributions.
Republic Day was also celebrated with similar enthusiasm in Gool, Banihal and Ramsoo subdivisions, as well as other tehsil headquarters and institutions across the district.
AT KISHTWAR: The 77th Republic Day- 2026 was celebrated across the district of Kishtwar with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit.
District Development Council, Chairperson Pooja Thakur unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute of the March Past at the main event held at the Mini Secretariat, New DC Office Complex. Contingents drawn from JK Police, IRP, CRPF, CISF, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, Girls’ and Boys’ NCC Battalions of GDC and children from various schools presented an impressive march past.
The National Flag was also unfurled at the District Court Complex, Police Lines, Sub-Divisional Headquarters, Tehsil and Block Headquarters, as well as in all government offices, colleges and educational institutions.
The DDC Vice Chairperson, Saima Parvez Lone; DDC Member Palmar, Tahir Masood; Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma; Senior Superintendent of Police, Naresh Singh; ADC, Pawan Kotwal; PO ICDS, Rishi Kumar Sharma; CEO KDA, Kaiser Bhawani; along with other senior officers of the civil administration, police, army, CISF, CRPF, prominent members of society were also present on the occasion.
The event also featured scintillating cultural performances by students, while adhering to SOPs, which highlighted the spirit of nationalism and patriotic zeal.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson extended her heartfelt R-Day greetings to all citizens. She paid homage to martyrs, freedom fighters, security forces, police personnel and citizens who sacrificed their lives for the nation, stating that their courage and sacrifices will always be remembered with deep respect.
Highlighting the significance of the day, she said “January 26 symbolizes India’s integrity, unity, sovereignty and tolerance. Despite numerous challenges, India has successfully safeguarded its democratic values and emerged as the world’s largest democracy.” She noted that Republic Day reminds every citizen of the supremacy of the Constitution of India.
Listing the developmental initiatives in the district, she informed that under the District Apex Budget, 1,181 out of 2,565 works have been completed, while the remaining projects are progressing rapidly. “As many as 24,845 individuals in the district are receiving benefits under various social security schemes. Over 2,630 families have benefited from the State Marriage Assistance Scheme of the UT Government of Jammu and Kashmir in the district. Scholarships have been provided to 75 SC students, while 249 orphaned children are receiving financial assistance of ₹4,000 per month,” she informed. She stated that power capacity in the district has been enhanced from 20 MVA to 50 MVA, leading to a significant reduction in power cuts in Kishtwar town and adjoining areas. She also paid tribute to the late Sudhir Sharma, an honest officer of the Power Department, acknowledging his dedicated service to the district. She further listed the achievements made in agriculture and allied sectors.
Meanwhile, mementos and certificates of commendation were given to several officers for their exemplary work, ethics and professionalism.
Students with meritorious achievements in academics and sports were also honored with awards. The best-performing cultural groups and parade contingents were also felicitated.
AT SAMBA: The 77th Republic Day was commemorated with great enthusiasm, patriotic zeal and national pride by the District Administration Samba at the Rani Suchet Singh Sports Stadium.
The Chairman District Development Council (DDC), Keshav Dutt Sharma unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past comprising contingents from security forces, Police, NCC cadets, veterans and students, symbolizing unity, discipline and unwavering commitment to the nation.
The celebrations were further enriched by a vibrant cultural programme presented by students from different schools of District Samba, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through performances that convey powerful messages of patriotism, social harmony and national integration, earning widespread appreciation from the audience.
The grand function witnessed the presence of MLA Ramgarh, Dr. Davinder Kumar Manyal, Deputy Commissioner, Ayushi Sudan, SSP, Varinder Manhas, ADC, Jagdish Singh, along with other officers, local icons, retired army personnel, students and a large gathering of citizens from across the district.
The programme culminated with the felicitation of outstanding performers and participating teams, with awards presented by the DDC Chairman and others.
The celebration concluded on a high note, reaffirming District Samba’s steadfast commitment to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution of India and strengthening the spirit of unity, patriotism and national pride among its citizens.
AT RAJOURI: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of patriotism across Rajouri district. The celebrations were held at the district headquarters, sub-divisions, tehsil headquarters and panchayats. The main function took place here at the DPL Ground, where the Chairman District Development Council, Advocate Chowdhary Naseem Liyaqat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march-past.
The parade included contingents from JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK Police Band, CRPF, JK FPF, SPOs, NCC senior boys and girls and students from various schools. MLA Thanamandi, Muzaffar Khan also attended the event.
Also present were Deputy Commissioner, Abhishek Sharma; DIG Rajouri–Poonch Range, Tejinder Singh; SSP, Gaurav Sikarwar; ADDC, Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq; ADC, Chander Prakash; PO ICDS, Harpal Singh; ACR, Mohd Jahangir Khan; Principal GMC, Dr Amarjeet Singh; district heads of various departments, prominent citizens and a large gathering of people.
The event was further enlivened by captivating cultural performances by students and cultural troupes, who showcased vibrant costumes, intricate choreography and passionate performances, earning well-deserved applause.
In his address, the DDC Chairman extended warm Republic Day greetings and emphasized the importance of the day. He recalled the efforts of India’s leaders in framing the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950. He noted that Rajouri, like other districts in the Union Territory, is progressing with several new developmental projects.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, healthcare, education and essential services in remote areas and ensuring social security and self-employment opportunities for youth.
“The District Development Council is working diligently with the district administration to ensure comprehensive development in Rajouri,” said Advocate Chowdhary Naseem Liyaqat.
The DDC Chairman also congratulated the District Administration, particularly the Deputy Commissioner, Abhishek Sharma, for receiving a prestigious award from the President of India under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative.
Later, a felicitation ceremony was held to honour meritorious students, officials, doctors and social workers.
AT REASI: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit here at the General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium. The district-level function witnessed the participation of thousands of people, including officers, officials, students and citizens, creating an atmosphere of national pride and unity.
MLA Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey, MLA Katra, Baldev Raj Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Nidhi Malik, ADDC Sukhdev Singh Samyal, ADC Rakesh Kumar, SSP Paramvir Singh, CPO Narinder Kumar and other district officers also attended the celebrations.
Chairman District Development Council, Saraf Singh Nag unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march-past consisting of 21 contingents drawn from JKAP, JKP, Home Guards, STC Talwara, NCC Boys & Girls and various schools of the district.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairman paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and the architects of the Indian Constitution. He highlighted the significance of Republic Day as a symbol of India’s democratic values, unity and democratic principles and urged citizens, particularly the youth to uphold these ideals and actively contribute towards nation-building.
The Chairman also briefed the gathering on various developmental initiatives being implemented in the district across different sectors.He listed development of infrastructure in education, health, road connectivity, drinking water supply and rural development. He informed that under the Vande Mataram Phase–II programme, a series of activities were organized across the district to promote patriotism and encourage public participation.
Referring to recent natural calamities, the Chairman stated that the district administration acted promptly to provide relief and assistance to the affected families. He said essential relief material, including food supplies and other necessary items were distributed to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
The celebrations were further enhanced by colourful cultural performances presented by school and college students, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, unity and diversity of the nation. Patriotic songs and dances enthralled the audience and infused the atmosphere with nationalistic fervour.
The government departments presented tableaux on wheels, highlighting flagship schemes and key developmental initiatives being implemented in the district, thereby spreading awareness about government programmes and welfare measures among the public.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates of appreciation and prizes to students and contingents for their outstanding performances.
In addition to the main function at the district headquarters, the 77th Republic Day was celebrated with equal enthusiasm across all sub-divisions and tehsils of Reasi district, where the National Flag was unfurled by Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Tehsildars in the presence of officers, officials, students and local residents in their respective jurisdictions.
