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Mohan Bhagwat urges citizens to uphold constitutional duties on Republic Day

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday urged citizens to faithfully discharge the duties laid down in the Constitution, saying this was essential for India to emerge as a leading republic globally.

Bhagwat was speaking after unfurling the national flag at the RSS’s Muzaffarpur divisional office, Madhukar Niketan, on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. “It is the Constitution that teaches us dharma. Regular reading of it helps citizens remain conscious of their duties, and following the law itself is a primary civic duty,” he said.

He also referred to “unwritten norms” rooted in Indian culture, which he said were meant to preserve humanity and social harmony. “India’s freedom was achieved through great sacrifices by our ancestors. It is the collective responsibility of citizens to preserve and strengthen India as a republic,” Bhagwat said.

Explaining the symbolism of the national flag, he said saffron represented sacrifice and dynamism, white stood for purity of thought, and green signified progress and prosperity, while the Ashoka Chakra reflected that all progress must be guided by dharma. Several RSS functionaries were present at the event.

(With agency inputs)

Republic Day 2026: New dawn in J&K as LG Sinha cites Operation Sindoor, IWT suspension

Asserting that a “new dawn” has begun in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that with Operation Sindoor continuing and the Indus Water Treaty suspended, India’s water resources would now be used for domestic needs.

Addressing the 77th Republic Day function at Maulana Azad Stadium, Sinha said the government would re-examine every case linked to terrorism and ensure the guilty face the “strictest punishment.” He unfurled the tricolour, reviewed the parade and took the ceremonial salute. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended as the chief guest, along with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and senior officials.

Recalling last year’s military action, Sinha said, “Operation Sindoor emerged as a defining moment in India’s national security doctrine,” adding that any terror attack on Indian soil would be treated as an act of war. “We struck at the heart of the enemy… and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting national sovereignty,” he said, noting that the operation remains ongoing.

On non-military measures, he said, “Bloodshed and cooperation cannot coexist. India’s water resources will now be utilised for India’s development.” He also paid tribute to security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in terror attacks and natural disasters, and said rehabilitation efforts were underway under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With agency inputs)

BSF marks Republic Day at Indo-Pak border in Gujarat

The Border Security Force marked the 77th Republic Day on Monday at the India–Pakistan border in Gujarat’s Nadabet, where Gujarat Frontier Inspector General Abhishek Pathak unfurled the national flag as part of the celebrations.

In the national capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial, while President Droupadi Murmu presided over the main ceremony on Kartavya Path. Senior political and military leaders were present, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who attended as chief guests, reported ANI.

The Republic Day parade featured police and paramilitary contingents, highlighting the role of central forces in internal security and border management. The Central Reserve Police Force marched under women officers for the first time, followed by the BSF’s camel-mounted contingent, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Delhi Police. The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, marking India’s emergence as a sovereign democratic republic.

CRPF demonstrates counter-insurgency drill at Republic Day parade

Assistant Commandant Rishu Shrikant Palande of the CRPF leads a coordinated drill with 11 personnel, recreating a counter-insurgency operation and showcasing sharp target engagement skills during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. Screengrab: ANI

PM Modi greets crowd after Republic Day parade in New Delhi

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the gathering after the 77th Republic Day Parade, at Kartavya Path, in New Delhi. Photo: PTI 

CRPF and SSB daredevils thrill crowd on Kartavya Path during Republic Day Parade

Daredevils of the Central Reserve Police Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal deliver a breathtaking motorcycle display on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade, combining precision riding, combat simulations, yoga postures and complex human formations.Screengrab: ANI

Watch: Rafale streaks past at 900 kmph in Vijay formation at Republic Day Parade

PM Modi with EU leaders at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen (left) and President of the European Council Antonio Costa during the 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: PTI