Maharashtra Congress and Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) leaders have criticised the decision to confer the Padma Bhushan on former state governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, reported the PTI. The announcement sparked sharp reactions, with leaders describing the award as an insult to Maharashtra and its cultural icons. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said that Koshyari had insulted the constitutional office and hurt the sentiments of people in the state. Speaking after a Republic Day 2026 event at the Congress office, Sapkal claimed that the former governor’s actions were inappropriate and unacceptable, according to the PTI. The Congress leader also revealed that he had refused an award from a Pune-based social organisation because the ceremony was to be hosted by Koshyari. Varsha Gaikwad accuses BJP of disrespecting Maharashtra icons Mumbai Congress chief and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad accused the BJP of having a history of insulting Maharashtra’s great leaders and constitutional icons. She alleged that Koshyari had made disrespectful remarks about revered figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Savitribai Phule, as per the PTI. Gaikwad said honouring Koshyari with a Padma award was a “direct insult to Maharashtra”. NCP (SP) leader condemns the award Nationalist Congress Party (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto joined the criticism, saying Koshyari’s repeated controversial remarks had hurt Maharashtrians’ sentiments. He added that awarding him the Padma Bhushan demonstrated the BJP’s “arrogance of power” and disregard for the state’s history and cultural pride, according to the PTI. Crasto said people of Maharashtra would not forget the alleged insults to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and described the award as shameful. Controversial tenure as Maharashtra Governor Koshyari served as Maharashtra’s governor from September 2019 to February 2023. His tenure was marked by frequent clashes with the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. During this period, Thackeray criticised him for being “overactive” and noted that Koshyari did not fill 12 vacant seats in the state Legislative Council, despite recommendations from the state government. Koshyari had also faced criticism for once referring to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as “an icon of the olden times”, a remark that sparked public outrage, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
26 January,2026 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt an event on Republic Day 2026, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said on Monday that the Tricolour symbolises the nation’s honour, dignity and pride but some forces were trying to divide by politicising green and saffron, reported the PTI. He was speaking after the 77th Republic Day flag hoisting ceremony at the Congress office. Sapkal criticised certain political groups for attempting to create divisions by politicising the green and saffron colours for their own interests. He said both colours deserve respect: green symbolises prosperity, while saffron represents sacrifice and honour. Call to spread the Tricolour across Maharashtra Sapkal urged Congress workers to take the national flag to every part of the state. He emphasised that the Tricolour represents the larger idea of India, and noted that many have shed their blood for it. He added that even today, people are ready to make sacrifices for the nation. The Congress leader highlighted the party’s role in the freedom struggle and in building the nation after Independence. He said the spirit of struggle must be preserved in order to protect constitutional values. CM making 'exaggerated claims' about investment proposals at Davos Meanwhile, Sapkal on Monday also criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for making what he called “exaggerated claims” about investment proposals announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, according to the PTI. Last week, Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra had signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹30 lakh crore, which could generate up to 40 lakh jobs across industries, services, agriculture and technology. Sapkal said the actual status of these investments should be disclosed publicly, and questioned the claims made by the Chief Minister. Fadnavis had also mentioned that talks were in a preliminary stage for projects worth Rs 7-10 lakh crore, with MoUs expected to be finalised within two months. He added that 83 per cent of the MoUs were for foreign direct investment, with the rest involving technical partnerships. The Chief Minister claimed that 83 per cent of FDI would come from 18 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Germany, France, UAE and others. He also stated that the realisation rate of MoUs is 75 per cent, citing that last year’s agreements had materialised to the same extent, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
26 January,2026 06:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena ministers have warned of a strong and befitting reply after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik’s remark about “finishing off their existence”, allegedly aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggered a sharp political exchange between the ruling allies, news agency PTI reported. Naik made the comment on Sunday, stating that if the BJP allowed, “we can finish off their existence”, an apparent reference to his long-time rival Shinde. The remark has revived tensions between the two parties, which have a history of rivalry despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance. Reacting to the statement, Shiv Sena leader and Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said the BJP owes its current position in power to Shinde’s revolt against the undivided Shiv Sena in 2022. “Who is talking about finishing off (Shinde)? He is not Navi Mumbai’s hills or sand to get finished. We are the ones to stand with courage. Shinde cannot be underestimated,” Shirsat told reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He further stressed that the Shiv Sena alone cannot be forced to follow the “Mahayuti dharma”. “The BJP is in power today because of our sacrifice. We will not tolerate being asked to follow Mahayuti dharma on one hand, while BJP leaders make such statements on the other. This cannot be tolerated. I will speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” he added. Shiv Sena leaders assert Deputy CM Eknath Shinde can counter Ganesh Naik Shirsat also addressed Naik directly, warning, “If you challenge us, we will accept it.” Echoing the sentiment, Shiv Sena leader and Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, a close confidant of Shinde, said the party was equally capable of responding, PTI reported. “If our party permits, our stand will be the same. When their party takes a stand, we will also give a befitting reply,” Desai said in Satara. Transport Minister and Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik also emphasised that Shinde himself is capable of responding to Naik’s remarks. Naik, a former guardian minister of the undivided Thane district, and Shinde have been long-time rivals. Navi Mumbai has traditionally been a stronghold of Naik, who controlled the civic body for more than two-and-a-half decades. Currently, Naik serves as the guardian minister of Palghar district, carved out of Thane, which remains Shinde’s political base. Recently, Shiv Sena and BJP contested the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Elections separately after seat-sharing talks failed. While both parties have contested as allies in several civic elections in the past, their rivalry has been evident on the ground, with some civic bodies witnessing bitter contests despite the alliance at the state level. (With PTI inputs)
26 January,2026 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, while unveiling the restored 'Turn Table Ladder' vehicle by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, emphasised the importance of preserving and conserving the historical equipment and tools of the Mumbai Fire Brigade. The Chief Minister also stated that such heritage assets reflect the legacy of public service and sacrifice in the city. While speaking at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on the occasion of Republic Day on Monday. CM Fadnavis unveiled the historic firefighting vehicle known as ‘Turn Table Ladder’, manufactured in 1937. This vehicle has been restored by the Mumbai Fire Brigade and formally reintroduced as a heritage exhibit. History of MFB’s ‘Turntable Ladder’ As per the BMC, the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ played a key role in emergency operations during the devastating fire on the cargo ship S.S. Fort Stikine at Mumbai Port in April 1944. The fire on the cargo ship is still one of the most significant disasters in the city’s maritime history. The iconic vehicle was used by fire brigade personnel in rescue operations that helped save several lives. While addressing the gathering in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said the Mumbai Fire Brigade has consistently served the city with dedication and courage, with its personnel often risking their lives to protect citizens. Fadnavis further noted that preserving the Mumbai Fire Brigade’s historical equipment is essential to safeguarding its institutional memory and legacy. He also suggested that a museum could be created to conserve and showcase such heritage tools and vehicles. Restoration of heritage firefighting vehicle The restoration of the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ was undertaken following a proposal by BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, with support from industrialist Gautam Singhania. Along with the Chief Minister, several senior officials and dignitaries were also present at the ceremony, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar, Padma Shri awardee Armida Fernandez, and other senior BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade officials. CM Fadnavis felicitated Armida Fernandez On the occasion, Armida Fernandez, who was recently conferred the Padma Shri for her contribution to the healthcare sector, was also felicitated by the Chief Minister. The BMC, while issuing the official statement, said that the restored vehicle will now be preserved as part of Mumbai Fire Brigade’s historical legacy, highlighting the evolution of firefighting services in the city and their role in major rescue operations over the decades.
26 January,2026 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway marked the 77th Republic Day with a ceremonial flag-hoisting and parade at the Mahalaxmi Sports Ground in Mumbai on Monday. The National Flag was unfurled by Western Railway General Manager Vivek Kumar Gupta, who also inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute of the march past. Addressing railway employees and their families, Gupta extended Republic Day greetings and highlighted Western Railway’s recent achievements and milestones. He commended the workforce for securing the highest number of prestigious Efficiency Shields in 2025, recognising outstanding performance across departments. Calling upon employees to continue working with renewed zeal and dedication, he urged them to contribute towards the national goal of Viksit Bharat. At the outset, Gupta was welcomed by Ajoy Sadany, inspector general and principal chief security commissioner of western railway. The ceremony was attended by Neeta Gupta, president of the Western Railway Women’s Welfare Organization (WRWWO), Additional General Manager Pradeep Kumar, along with principal heads of departments and senior railway officials. According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, chief public relations officer of Western Railway, Neeta Gupta donated stainless steel insulation kettles for patients at Jagjivan Ram Hospital. The donation was formally handed over to Dr Atul Sharma, principal chief medical director, Western Railway. The celebrations concluded with a dog squad demonstration by the Railway Protection Force and cultural programmes featuring patriotic songs and dance performances. Mumbai civic body observes 77th Republic Day with flag-hoisting and ceremonial drill The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day on Monday at its headquarters with a ceremonial flag hoisting by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani. The event was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakne, Joint Commissioner (Tax and Collection) Vishwas Shankarwar, Deputy Commissioners Chanda Jadhav (Special), Prashant Gaikwad (Finance), Vishwas Mote (Ward 3), Kiran Dighavkar (Solid Waste Management), Sharad Ughade (Public Health), Prachi Jambhekar (Education), Shashank Bhore (Engineering), Avinash Kate (Environment and Climate Change), Girish Nikam (Infrastructure), and Purushottam Malvade (Special Engineering), along with BMC Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, department heads, officials, employees, and citizens. The ceremony began with Gagrani paying tribute by offering floral respects to the statue of Sir Ferozeshah Mehta, the architect of modern Mumbai's municipal governance. A parade was also carried out by BMC’s security personnel and firefighters, showcasing a ceremonial drill that added grandeur to the Republic Day celebrations.
26 January,2026 04:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) celebrated the Republic Day 2026, with enthusiasm and pride on its campus in Mumbai, officials said on Monday. The event was attended by students, faculty, staff and members of the campus community. The celebrations began with the unfurling of the National Flag by the Director of IIT Bombay, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, at the Institute’s Gymkhana Ground. Security staff of IIT Bombay and NCC cadets saluted the National Flag during the ceremony, they said. Prof. Kedare addressed the gathering and extended his warm wishes to the IIT Bombay community on the occasion. Chief guest addresses gathering According to an official release, Raj Nair, Chairman of Avalon Consulting and a distinguished alumnus of IIT Bombay, was the Chief Guest for the function. He is an entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, investor and advisor, with wide experience across industries and countries. Nair spoke about the values of democracy and citizenship, stating that the Republic survives through integrity, courage and compassion shown by citizens in their daily lives. He stressed that in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), teaching students how to think is more important than teaching them what to think. Director highlights role of education In his address, Prof. Shireesh Kedare spoke about the true role of educational institutions. He said learning should go beyond classrooms and include shared experiences, responsibility and participation, the officials said. He also congratulated former Deputy Director Prof. Juzer Vasi and IIT Bombay alumnus Shashi Shekhar Vempati on being conferred the Padma Shri award. Prof. Kedare felicitated Prof. Vasi with a shawl and a potted plant. Awards and felicitations During the programme, certificates were awarded to winners of an essay writing competition organised during Vigilance Awareness Week 2025. Security officers, guards and NCC cadets were also felicitated for their service. Cultural programmes add colour to celebrations The celebrations featured cultural performances by students from Aman Day Care Centre, IIT Bombay Campus School, PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT Mumbai, IIT Bombay and NSS. A total of 360 students from Kendriya Vidyalaya and 358 students from Campus School participated in the cultural programme along with their teachers. Thirty IIT Bombay students sang patriotic songs, concluding the event with a full rendition of Vande Mataram. More than 2,000 members of the IIT Bombay campus community attended the Republic Day celebration, making it a memorable and inspiring occasion.
26 January,2026 04:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while hailing India’s development on the occasion of Republic Day, said that the country is moving fast on the strength of its Constitution. Fadnavis also added that the democratic values of the nation are on track to become the world's third-largest economy. Speaking at the main Republic Day function held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ground in Dadar, Fadnavis said that Maharashtra signed investment agreements worth Rs 30 lakh crore at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, which will make the state even stronger as a key driver of India's economy, as per PTI. CM Fadnavis asserted, "India is rapidly progressing on the strength of its Constitution and democratic values and is on course to become the world's third largest economy. The MoUs signed at the recent World Economic Forum would strengthen the state's role as the backbone of the country's economy," as per PTI. After unfurling the national flag in Dadar, the CM said that Maharashtra will not stop. It will remain dynamic and will continue to move ahead with the strength of the Constitution, he asserted. Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, the Chief Minister also paid tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar and thanked him and the members of the Constituent Assembly for framing the Constitution. He further added. "The values of freedom, equality and brotherhood are part of Indian culture and are clearly reflected in the Constitution," as cited by news agency PTI. The Chief Minister further asserted that, under PM Modi's leadership, India is now seen as an important global power and economy, made possible because of the democratic system given by the Constitution, Fadnavis asserted. CM Fadnavis on job creation across Maharashtra While putting light on employment across Maharashtra, Fadnavis said investments and job creation are happening in all regions of the state, including Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, Konkan and Mumbai. He added, "The state government is fully committed to farmers and has given strong support during difficult times. River-linking projects will be carried out to make Maharashtra drought-free. Major infrastructure projects like those in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Samruddhi Motorway and the Shaktipeeth Motorway are helping the state's growth, as per PTI. Fadnavis hails ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme Fadnavis said the construction of 30 lakh houses in rural areas under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana would be a record. He also said that Maharashtra has ranked first in solar-powered farm feeders and solar pumps. Welfare schemes such as the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme and free electricity for farmers aim to ensure development for all sections of society, the CM added. The Republic Day parade included contingents from the Indian Navy, Maharashtra Police, State Reserve Police Force, Mumbai Police, home guards, fire brigade, NCC, NSS, scouts and school students. The parade was led by Navy Commander Pankaj Baghel. (With inputs from PTI)
26 January,2026 04:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day on Monday at its headquarters with a ceremonial flag hoisting by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani. The event was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakne, Joint Commissioner (Tax and Collection) Vishwas Shankarwar, Deputy Commissioners Chanda Jadhav (Special), Prashant Gaikwad (Finance), Vishwas Mote (Ward 3), Kiran Dighavkar (Solid Waste Management), Sharad Ughade (Public Health), Prachi Jambhekar (Education), Shashank Bhore (Engineering), Avinash Kate (Environment and Climate Change), Girish Nikam (Infrastructure), and Purushottam Malvade (Special Engineering), along with BMC Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, department heads, officials, employees, and citizens. The ceremony began with Gagrani paying tribute by offering floral respects to the statue of Sir Ferozeshah Mehta, the architect of modern Mumbai's municipal governance. A parade was also carried out by BMC’s security personnel and firefighters, showcasing a ceremonial drill that added grandeur to the Republic Day celebrations. Kalyan-Dombivali civic body headquarters celebrates Republic Day 2026 with patriotic fervour The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) headquarters on Monday, with Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal unfurling the national flag at 7.30 am and taking the ceremonial salute. City Engineer Anita Pardeshi, additional municipal commissioners, the municipal secretary, senior officials and staff were present. Personnel from the fire brigade, security forces, local police and MSF contingents participated in a march-past and saluted the national flag. As part of the celebrations, 12 sanitation workers from the Solid Waste Management Department were felicitated with certificates of appreciation and mementoes in recognition of their services. Additional Municipal Commissioner Yogesh Godse unfurled the national flag at the old Dombivli East ward office, in the presence of former corporator Mandar Halbe, municipal officials and staff. Later, Commissioner Goyal paid floral tributes at the memorial of Captain Vinaykumar Sachan and the Prerana War Memorial in Dombivli, in the presence of civic officials, citizens and elected representatives. The Commissioner also unfurled the 150-foot-tall national flag at Dattnagar Chowk, Dombivli East, and appealed to citizens to uphold constitutional values and fulfil their civic responsibilities. MLA Rajesh More extended Republic Day greetings. A large number of citizens attended the celebrations.
26 January,2026 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maha Mumbai Metro on Monday issued a public warning after a video of Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan doing pull-ups inside a metro coach went viral on social media. The video shows the actor hanging from the grab handles inside the train, which are meant for passenger support. Reacting to the video, Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) shared the video of the actor warned commuters on X, tagging the actor. The post said the video should have carried a disclaimer, similar to those seen in action films, warning people not to copy the act. The metro authority stated clearly that the grab handles are not designed for hanging or exercising, even if it looks fun or “cool” on camera. This video should have come with a disclaimer like the ones in your action movies, @Varun_dvn - Do Not Try This On Maha Mumbai MetroWe get it, it is cool to hang out with friends inside our metros but those grab handles are not for hanging. Acts like these are punishable… pic.twitter.com/XiCP8OF8wT — Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (@MMMOCL_Official) January 26, 2026 Acts can lead to penalties MMMOCL reminded commuters that such behaviour is not just unsafe but also illegal. According to the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, acts that cause nuisance or damage to metro property can attract penalties. In serious cases, this may even lead to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence. Message to commuters The metro authority ended its post with a clear message to the public. While socialising and enjoying metro travel is fine, unsafe behaviour should be avoided. “So folks, hang out, but don’t hang in there. Travel responsibly on Maha Mumbai Metro,” the post concluded. Netizens react Social media users reacted strongly after Mumbai Metro issued a warning over a viral video showing actor Varun Dhawan doing pull-ups inside a metro coach. Many netizens supported the metro authority, saying public transport rules must be followed by everyone, including celebrities. Several users praised Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd for calling out unsafe behaviour and setting an example for commuters. A prominent citizens group of suburban Mumbai, Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen's Association (ALOCA) wrote on X, "Yes damaging public property should be punishable without any leniency. This video will act like a deterrence for people who were trying to ape the actors." Yes damaging public property should be punishable without any leniency This video will act like a deterrence for people who were trying to ape the actors — ANDHERI LOKHANDWALA OSHIWARA CITIZEN'S ASSOCIATION (@AndheriLOCA) January 26, 2026 Another user wrote on X, "Whats stopping you from slapping a fine on him if its punishable?? Why are actors getting the leeway? Is it because they are actors. Slap a fine right now." Whats stopping you from slapping a fine on him if its punishable?? Why are actors getting the leeway? Is it because they are actors. Slap a fine right now if you dont differentiate between common man and a film star — Rahul (@myopicvisionary) January 26, 2026
26 January,2026 03:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across all schools run by the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) on Monday, with a series of patriotic programmes, including large-scale synchronised drills set to patriotic music. According to a circular issued by the KDMC Education Department earlier, the celebrations were held in 524 schools within the municipal limits, covering KDMC schools as well as institutions of all mediums and managements. Students participated in coordinated musical drills, delivered speeches, and performed group patriotic songs as part of the programme. Musical mass drills were organised at both CRC and school levels. Students used colourful flags, dumbbells, ghungroo sticks and lezim in unison, presenting visually striking and well-coordinated performances across several schools. Winners of various sports competitions conducted at the CRC level were felicitated with prizes and certificates during the celebrations. Administrative Officer of the KDMC Education Department Bharat Boranare, Education Officer Vijay Sarkate, Head of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Ms Jadhav, along with subject experts, visited several schools on the occasion. They reviewed the Republic Day programmes, extended greetings to school authorities, teachers, parents and students, and lauded the successful execution of the drills and related activities at both school and CRC levels. Kalyan-Dombivali civic body headquarters celebrates Republic Day 2026 with patriotic fervour The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the KDMC headquarters on Monday, with Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal unfurling the national flag at 7.30 am and taking the ceremonial salute. City Engineer Anita Pardeshi, additional municipal commissioners, the municipal secretary, senior officials and staff were present. Personnel from the fire brigade, security forces, local police and MSF contingents participated in a march-past and saluted the national flag. As part of the celebrations, 12 sanitation workers from the Solid Waste Management Department were felicitated with certificates of appreciation and mementoes in recognition of their services. Additional Municipal Commissioner Yogesh Godse unfurled the national flag at the old Dombivli East ward office, in the presence of former corporator Mandar Halbe, municipal officials and staff. Later, Commissioner Goyal paid floral tributes at the memorial of Captain Vinaykumar Sachan and the Prerana War Memorial in Dombivli, in the presence of civic officials, citizens and elected representatives. The Commissioner also unfurled the 150-foot-tall national flag at Dattnagar Chowk, Dombivli East, and appealed to citizens to uphold constitutional values and fulfil their civic responsibilities. MLA Rajesh More extended Republic Day greetings. A large number of citizens attended the celebrations.
26 January,2026 02:59 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentThe 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) headquarters on Monday, with Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal unfurling the national flag at 7.30 am and taking the ceremonial salute. City Engineer Anita Pardeshi, additional municipal commissioners, the municipal secretary, senior officials and staff were present. Personnel from the fire brigade, security forces, local police and MSF contingents participated in a march-past and saluted the national flag. As part of the celebrations, 12 sanitation workers from the Solid Waste Management Department were felicitated with certificates of appreciation and mementoes in recognition of their services. Additional Municipal Commissioner Yogesh Godse unfurled the national flag at the old Dombivli East ward office, in the presence of former corporator Mandar Halbe, municipal officials and staff. Later, Commissioner Goyal paid floral tributes at the memorial of Captain Vinaykumar Sachan and the Prerana War Memorial in Dombivli, in the presence of civic officials, citizens and elected representatives. The Commissioner also unfurled the 150-foot-tall national flag at Dattnagar Chowk, Dombivli East, and appealed to citizens to uphold constitutional values and fulfil their civic responsibilities. MLA Rajesh More extended Republic Day greetings. A large number of citizens attended the celebrations. 524 Kalyan-Dombivali municipal schools celebrate Republic Day with synchronised drills and cultural events The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across all schools run by the KDMC on Monday, with a series of patriotic programmes, including large-scale synchronised drills set to patriotic music. According to a circular issued by the KDMC Education Department on December 8, 2025, the celebrations were held in 524 schools within the municipal limits, covering KDMC schools as well as institutions of all mediums and managements. Students participated in coordinated musical drills, delivered speeches, and performed group patriotic songs as part of the programme. Musical mass drills were organised at both CRC and school levels. Students used colourful flags, dumbbells, ghungroo sticks and lezim in unison, presenting visually striking and well-coordinated performances across several schools. Winners of various sports competitions conducted at the CRC level were felicitated with prizes and certificates during the celebrations. Administrative Officer of the KDMC Education Department Bharat Boranare, Education Officer Vijay Sarkate, Head of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Ms Jadhav, along with subject experts, visited several schools on the occasion. They reviewed the Republic Day programmes, extended greetings to school authorities, teachers, parents and students, and lauded the successful execution of the drills and related activities at both school and CRC levels.
26 January,2026 02:46 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
