Calm streets, crowded fairgrounds, official ceremonies mark Republic Day in Hyderabad

Hyderabad woke up to patriotic songs near residential complexes and an unusual calm on arterial roads that remained deserted thanks to the long weekend while holiday crowds streamed into exhibition grounds at Numaish and other popular attractions. The tricolour fluttered across government buildings as official ceremonies marked the 77th Republic Day in different parts of the city.

At the DGP’s office, Additional Director General of Police D.S. Chauhan unfurled the national flag and took the salute from police personnel, who also presented a guard of honour. AIG Law and Order Ramana Kumar, Legal SP Satish, CSO Yogeshwara Rao, DSP Venugopal and other officers and staff attended the ceremony.

At the City Armed Reserve headquarters in Petla Buruj, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar unfurled the national flag and received the guard of honour. Addressing the gathering, he announced that comprehensive medical examinations would be conducted for all personnel in the Hyderabad Commissionerate and individual ‘health profiles’ would be prepared. Based on test reports, staff would be categorised from A to E, with treatment and care to be provided according to their health condition.

The Commissioner said police personnel routinely work during festivals and major deployments, often away from their families, and their role in preventing untoward incidents is commendable. He said the H-NEW unit was being strengthened to tackle drug menace and that special teams would be formed with Food Safety officials to curb adulteration. Stressing Hyderabad’s tradition of communal harmony, he urged citizens not to fall for social media rumours and to share information with the police through Dial 100. He also instructed personnel to treat the public with respect and ensure timely redressal of complaints.

The programme was attended by Additional CP Srinivasulu, Additional CP Tafseer Iqbal, Joint CPs Joel Davis and Shweta, DCP Venkateshwarlu and other senior officials.

At the Anti-Corruption Bureau headquarters, Director Tarun Joshi unfurled the national flag in the presence of officers and students, who were given notebooks and pens. Twenty one officers were awarded Uthama Seva and Seva medals in recognition of their service.

India Post marked the day at the National Sorting Hub, where Postmaster General N.R. Visalatchy presided over the celebrations and honoured employees for their contribution to digital transformation and service excellence.

In Cyberabad, Commissioner of Police M. Ramesh unfurled the tricolour at the Police Commissionerate and paid tributes to freedom fighters. He spoke on the significance of the Constitution and the role of the police in upholding constitutional values. Medals were presented to personnel selected for gallantry, most distinguished service and distinguished service, including Head Constable Marri Venkat Reddy, who received the President’s Distinguished Service Medal and the Police Medal for Gallantry. Several other serving and retired officers were also honoured. Senior officers from various wings of Cyberabad Police attended the event.