While most of us chose to enjoy the Republic Day parade from the comfort of our home, there were a few Noida residents who came out, despite heavy showers, to pay tribute to soldiers at Shaheed Smarak Sanstha, a memorial to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The dip in temperatures after the rains did nothing to dampen the spirits of Arun Vihar and Jalvayu Vihar residents, who celebrated the 68th Republic Day with contagious enthusiasm and vigour.
The function started around 9.30 am. Lieutenant General GL Bakshi, chairman of Shaheed Smarak Sanstha and a resident of Arun Vihar, laid a wreath to honour Gautam Budh Nagar's 38 martyrs. Lieutenant General Gorakh Nath, CEO and executive member of Shaheed Smarak Sanstha and a resident of Arun Vihar, paid his tribute with bouquets.
Since 2002, these residents have made it a point to pay homage to Gautam Budh Nagar's martyrs every year. And what better day to remember our soldiers than Republic Day!