Students drawn from various schools and colleges presented cultural programmes. Cultural troupes from Haryana and Punjab also participated in the function.

Present on the occasion were Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and others dignitaries.

Later, Himachal Pradesh Governor V.S. Rama Devi was "at home" to the elite of the town at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Republic Day, today.

The Governor also honoured Mrs Subhadra Amin Chand and Miss Krishan Pasricha from Shimla and Mr Satya Prakash Sharma from Dehar, Sundernagar and presented Rs 25,000 to each of them in recognition of their commendable services.

HAMIRPUR: The Himachal Pradesh government was examining a proposal to start a seed multiplication farm in this district with a view to provide timely and good quality seeds to the farmers.

This was stated by the state Agriculture Minister, Mr Vidya Sagar Chaudhary, while presiding over the district-level republic day function here today.

Earlier, the minister unfurled the national flag and took salute from the contingents of the Himachal police, home guards and jawans of the NCC.

REKONG PEO: The Republic Day function was held with great enthusiasm, traditional gaiety and patriotic fervour at Rekong Peo. Himachal Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mansa Ram hoisted the national flag.

He said Rs 70 lakh were being spent on various welfare schemes in Kinnaur district during the current financial year.