The 71st Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, on Sunday. The celebrations commenced with Vice-Chancellor Dr Parvinder Kaushal, unfurling the tricolour at the venue. The flag hoisting was followed by an impressive march past by the NCC and NSS volunteers of the university.In his speech, Dr Kaushal paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters for their selfless sacrifice for the independence of the country. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the main architect of the Indian Constitution was also remembered on the occasion. He also presented the university report and read out the various achievements of the university in the past few months. Dr Kaushal urged the students and staff to be dutiful and responsible citizens to take the nation to greater heights and appealed to imbibe and carry forward the ideals of our rich cultural heritage. The Vice Chancellor’s address was followed by several colourful performances by the students and staff of the university, which added to the patriotic feel on the day. Six students, two each from College of Forestry, College of Horticulture and College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri were recognized for their outstanding performances in academics. They were awarded cash prizes and certificates. The statutory officers, heads of departments, faculty and staff, students and locals attended the celebrations.