Agartala, Jan 26: On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters by laying a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial at Gandhi Ghat. He was accompanied by Corporator Tushar Kanti Bhattacharya.

Later, the minister offered floral tributes at the Albert Ekka War Memorial Park in Lichubagan, Agartala, paying deep respect to the martyrs.

Senior army officers, soldiers and other dignitaries were present. Addressing the gathering, Nath said that although India attained Independence on August 15, the true foundation of the country’s democratic structure was laid on January 26 with the implementation of the Constitution.

He said the core objective of the Republic is to ensure equal rights and justice for every citizen.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the minister distributed sweets among soldiers of the TSR 11th Battalion and the Army Sikh Regiment and extended his greetings. The celebrations ended with a cultural programme.

Earlier in the day, Ratan Lal Nath hoisted the national flag at the Secretariat premises. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Republic Day symbolises the power of the people and the protection of democratic rights, as the Constitution vests ultimate authority in the hands of the people.