Bollywood actors, including Vicky Kaushal, Anupam Kher, celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar today took to social media to extended their heartfelt greetings on India`s 70th Republic Day and express their love and respect for the nation.

Bollywood actors, including Vicky Kaushal, Anupam Kher, celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar today took to social media to extended their heartfelt greetings on India`s 70th Republic Day and express their love and respect for the nation. Vicky Kaushal, who recently featured in 'Uri: The Surgical Strike, took to Instagram to share a picture of himself, dressed in white kurta pajama, posing with the Tricolour in his hand. "Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!" he wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram झंडा ऊँचा रहे हमारा। Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 A post shared by Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) on Jan 25, 2019 at 6:33pm PST × Vicky also posted an Instagram story where he can be seen playing cricket "in the building he grew up." Explaining the scene, he wrote, "It is a ritual of a sort to play night cricket on the eve of Republic Day. Never miss it for anything, even when I have a 2 am flight to catch." In the following Kaushal mentioned that he will be visiting the Wagah border to celebrate the occasion. Anupam Kher posted a video of himself on Instagram and extended his wishes to his followers. "Happy Republic Day to all of us. Jai Hind," he wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram हम सभी को गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। Happy Republic Day to all of us. जय हिंद। 🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳 A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) on Jan 25, 2019 at 11:10am PST × Sachin Tendulkar wished his followers by posting a video where he can be seen singing the national anthem with his fellow sports personalities including former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, tennis player Sania Mirza, former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, Indian shooter Gagan Narang, retired Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi and freestyle wrestler Sushil Kumar. "Always gives me goosebumps when our National Anthem plays and the feeling used to become all the more special whenever I heard it on the ground while representing India," Sachin wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram Always gives me goosebumps when our National Anthem plays and the feeling used to become all the more special whenever I heard it on the ground while representing India. #TheSportsHeroes #JaiHind #IISM #Repost @thesportsheroes ・・・ •PART 6 : #DidYouKnow National Anthem was inducted in the Indian Constitution on 24th January, 1950. It’s an honour for us to be able to celebrate this glorious day with an extremely special tribute by #TheSportsHeroes - an initiative by #IISM Brace yourself as you witness the legends of Indian Sports enunciate the significance of #NationalAnthem in their lives. . . *Watch the complete video on IGTV. . . ‪#JaiHind #RepublicDay #India #HappyRepublicDay #Indian #Pride #JanaGanaMana #TSH #SportsHeroes #Sports #IISM @sachintendulkar @bhaichung15 @mirzasaniar @gaganarang @mbhupathi @wrestlersushil #DhanrajPillay #SunilGavaskar @nileshmkulkarni @iismworld @thesportsheroes A post shared by Sachin Tendulkar (@sachintendulkar) on Jan 24, 2019 at 8:12pm PST × Ajay Devgan also extended his Republic Day wishes and tweeted, "It out duty to follow our constitution. Happy Republic Day. देश के संविधान का पालन हम सब का कर्त्तव्य है । गणतंत्र दिवस की शुभकामनाएं । — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) January 26, 2019 × "Praising the constitution on India in his tweet, Rajkumar Rao wrote, "The efforts of Dr Ambedkar and the rest of the constituent assembly resulted in the birth of one of the most diverse constitutions that exist there in the world. It fills me with pride every time I think of being guided by it and see our national flag being hoisted. Happy republic day." The efforts of,Dr Ambedkar,n the rest of the constituent assembly resulted in the birth of one of the most diverse constitutions that exists there in the world. Fills me wid pride every time I think of being guided by it n see our national flag being hoisted.Happy republic day!🇮🇳 — Rajkummar Rao (@RajkummarRao) January 26, 2019 × On this day in 1950, India solidified its sovereignty by putting into effect the Constitution of India, a governing document that took nearly three years of careful deliberation to finalise, and whose eventual enactment was joyfully celebrated across the country.

Celebrities extend Republic Day wishes to nation

Actor Varun Dhawan performed at the Wagah Border in Punjab on the occasion of 70th Republic Day on Saturday.

Amid loud cheer, Varun showcased his dance skills on Shankar Mahadevan's popular track 'Sabse aage honge Hindustani'.

"#HappyRepublicDay one of the most incredible moments of my life. Such an honour to perform live at the Attari border for #3. #3 is coming," Varun tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyRepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyRepublicDay</a> one of the most incredible moments of my life. Such an honour to perform live at the Attari border for #3. <a href="https://twitter.com/remodsouza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@remodsouza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/3iscoming?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#3iscoming</a> <a href="https://t.co/iJdc2fX8GX">pic.twitter.com/iJdc2fX8GX</a>
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Varun_dvn/status/1089133159965437952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Varun is currently shooting for an upcoming Remo D'Souza's film in Punjab.&nbsp;

Actor Varun Dhawan performed at the Wagah Border in Punjab on the occasion of 70th Republic Day on Saturday. Amid loud cheer, Varun showcased his dance skills on Shankar Mahadevan's popular track 'Sabse aage honge Hindustani'.

Actor Varun Dhawan performed at the Wagah Border in Punjab on the occasion of 70th Republic Day on Saturday. Amid loud cheer, Varun showcased his dance skills on Shankar Mahadevan's popular track 'Sabse aage honge Hindustani'. "#HappyRepublicDay one of the most incredible moments of my life. Such an honour to perform live at the Attari border for #3. #3 is coming," Varun tweeted. #HappyRepublicDay one of the most incredible moments of my life. Such an honour to perform live at the Attari border for #3. @remodsouza #3iscoming pic.twitter.com/iJdc2fX8GX — Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) January 26, 2019 × Varun is currently shooting for an upcoming Remo D'Souza's film in Punjab.

Varun Dhawan performed at Wagah border on 70th Republic Day

With South African President Cyril Ramaphosa watching the proceedings, India on Saturday displayed its military might and rich cultural diversity during the dazzling 70th Republic Day parade in the Capital which for the first time saw veteran soldiers of the Indian National Army walking down the Rajpath.

The Republic Day Parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to soldiers killed in combat by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

The parade commanded by Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area, commenced after the unfurling of the national flag and a 21-gun salute.&nbsp;

The parade commander was the first one to salute the President. The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra followed the parade commander. &nbsp;

This year veterans of the Indian National Army (INA) who fought valiantly against the imperial forces also took part in the parade, including four veterans Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal, who are aged between 95 to 100 years. The K-9 Vajra and the M777 howitzers took part in the parade for the first time this year.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/self-made-sweets-and-bonhomie-in-sub-degree-temperatures-how-security-forces-mark-republic-day-in-jk-192903">How security forces mark Republic Day in J&amp;K</a>

The marching contingents of the Army which followed the armoured columns in the parade included the Madras Regiment, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment, the Gorkha Brigade, the Army Service Corps, and the 102 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Punjab.

The marching contingents were followed by the Veterans’ Tableau, which marked recognition and respect to the soldiers` selfless service to the nation. The Combined Band of the Sikh Light Infantry, Mahar Regimental Centre and Ladakh Scouts played the martial tune ‘Shankhnaad’ for the first time in the Parade.

The Naval Contingent comprising 144 young sailors and led by Lieutenant Commander Ambika Sudhakarn as Contingent Commander followed the Army columns.&nbsp;

It was followed by Naval tableau titled, ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready Force for National Security’.The Air Force Marching Contingent comprising 144 air warriors marched with rifles in ‘Bagal shashtra’ position while the pistols of the officers were secured in their holsters.&nbsp;

It was followed by the Air Force Tableau titled ‘Indian Air Force Encouraging Indigenisation’ showcasing the scaled-down models of the aircraft, radar and missile system which have been indigenously designed and manufactured.&nbsp;

The models displayed were Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Low-Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR), Sukhoi-30MKI and Akash Missile System. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed its Medium range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) and the Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (Arjun ARRV).

The Fly Past was led by Advanced Light Helicopters Weapon System Integrated (WSI) ‘Rudra’ and two Advanced Light Helicopters, ‘Dhruv’ of Army Aviation in ‘Diamond’ formation. The all-women contingent of Assam Rifles was the first of the Paramilitary and other Auxiliary Civil Forces’ columns.&nbsp;

It was followed by the Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, Border Security Force Camel Contingent, National Cadet Corps Boys and Girls Contingent and National Service Scheme Marching Contingent. Twenty-two tableaux, comprising 16 from different states and union territories and six Ministries, Departments and other institutions displayed the life, times and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

The year 2019 marks the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. The tableau of Sikkim portrayed the state’s transformation into a 100 per cent organic farming and the cleanest state of the country in consonance with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision and ideal while Maharashtra portrayed Quit India Movement, which was a peoples’ movement in which millions of common Indians had participated.&nbsp;

The tableau of Andaman &amp; Nicobar showcased the role of Gandhi among the inmates of Cellular Jail in Andaman. Assam came up with a tableau depicting Gandhiji’s movement in Assam and his dream of rebuilding the rural economy by encouraging the growth of cottage industry.

The tableau of Tripura showcased the egalitarian, inclusive and diverse social and ethnic culture based on the Gandhian principles while the Goan tableau showcased Unity in Diversity.

Arunachal Pradesh depicted peace within through a tableau of a clean Monpa village and its peaceful, cultural life which Mahatma Gandhi envisioned. Jallianwala Bagh was the theme of Punjab tableau evoking memories of the watershed moment in the Independence struggle. Tamil Nadu showcased Transformation of Dress Code of Mahatma Gandhi on September 22, 1921, in Madurai after seeing scantily clad peasants and poor people working in the farms and doing other manual work.

The tableau of Gujarat depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Historical Dandi March’, which shook the foundation of the British Empire by scooping a handful of salt in the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. ‘Ray of Hope-Our Composite Culture’ was the theme of tableau of Jammu and Kashmir while Karnataka showcased Gandhiji’s momentous efforts at the Belagavi Congress session on 26-27 December 1924.

The tableau of Uttarakhand depicted Spiritual Anashakti Ashram and Delhi showcased Mahatma Gandhi and his association with the national capital. Uttar Pradesh showcased the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

West Bengal tableau highlighted two key aspects in the life of Mahatma Gandhi- his stay at Kolkata during the crucial juncture of India’s Independence and his association with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

Ministry of Power showcased Saubhagya: New India Raushan India while the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation showcased the magnificent four-year-old journey of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the biggest behavioural change campaign in the world.&nbsp;

Indian Railways showcased his relationship with Railways in tableau titled ‘Mohan to Mahatma’ and the Ministry of Agriculture depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s economic philosophy called for ending poverty through improved agriculture and small scale rural cottage industries.&nbsp;

CPWD (Horticulture) tableau paid floral tributes to the Mahatma and showcased a wide variety of flowers in different hues. Twenty-six children including six girls and 20 boys, Awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2019 for their exceptional achievement, also participated in the parade.&nbsp;

The awards have been given to children for their merit in the fields of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service, music, bravery or any other field which deserves recognition. Children’s Pageant was led by Navy Children School Chanakyapuri, Delhi with the performance “Jai Ghosh”- a proclamation of faith and assurance in the principles of the divine soul, Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

Children of Government Schools of Bihar Eastern Zone, Cultural Centre, Kolkata danced on the song by reiterating this dream of “Bapu Ka Sapna”. Students of Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV) Kishan Ganj, Delhi and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Paschim Vihar, Delhi paid homage and reverence to Bapu’s ideology through scintillating dance performances.

Corps of Signals Motor Cycle Team saluted the president with daredevil acts in the Parade under the dynamic leadership of Captain Manpreet Singh, who broke his own world record smartly from a 12.5 feet ladder.&nbsp;

The previous record was from an eight-feet ladder. The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF which commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three ALH Mk IV WSI helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation.&nbsp;

Behind the ‘Hercules’ formation was the ‘Netra’ the “Eye in the Sky”. Trailing them was the ‘Sutlej Formation’ which is AN 32 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation. Behind the ‘Netra’ formation was the ‘Globe’ formation, comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKIs.&nbsp;

One of the An-32s was for the first time flying with bio-fuel. Next in line was the Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft, in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Following the Jaguars were five MiG-29 Upgrade Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Three state-of-the-art, SU-30 MKIs of Indian Air Force executed the Trishul manoeuvre.

The culmination of the parade was marked by a lone Su-30 MKI flying at a speed of 900 km/hr splitting the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons.&nbsp;

With South African President Cyril Ramaphosa watching the proceedings, India on Saturday displayed its military might and rich cultural diversity during the dazzling 70th Republic Day parade in the Capital which for the first time saw veteran soldiers of the Indian National Army walking down the Rajpath.

With South African President Cyril Ramaphosa watching the proceedings, India on Saturday displayed its military might and rich cultural diversity during the dazzling 70th Republic Day parade in the Capital which for the first time saw veteran soldiers of the Indian National Army walking down the Rajpath. The Republic Day Parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to soldiers killed in combat by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. The parade commanded by Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area, commenced after the unfurling of the national flag and a 21-gun salute. The parade commander was the first one to salute the President. The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra followed the parade commander. This year veterans of the Indian National Army (INA) who fought valiantly against the imperial forces also took part in the parade, including four veterans Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal, who are aged between 95 to 100 years. The K-9 Vajra and the M777 howitzers took part in the parade for the first time this year. Also read: How security forces mark Republic Day in J&K The marching contingents of the Army which followed the armoured columns in the parade included the Madras Regiment, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment, the Gorkha Brigade, the Army Service Corps, and the 102 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Punjab. The marching contingents were followed by the Veterans’ Tableau, which marked recognition and respect to the soldiers` selfless service to the nation. The Combined Band of the Sikh Light Infantry, Mahar Regimental Centre and Ladakh Scouts played the martial tune ‘Shankhnaad’ for the first time in the Parade. The Naval Contingent comprising 144 young sailors and led by Lieutenant Commander Ambika Sudhakarn as Contingent Commander followed the Army columns. It was followed by Naval tableau titled, ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready Force for National Security’.The Air Force Marching Contingent comprising 144 air warriors marched with rifles in ‘Bagal shashtra’ position while the pistols of the officers were secured in their holsters. It was followed by the Air Force Tableau titled ‘Indian Air Force Encouraging Indigenisation’ showcasing the scaled-down models of the aircraft, radar and missile system which have been indigenously designed and manufactured. The models displayed were Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Low-Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR), Sukhoi-30MKI and Akash Missile System. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed its Medium range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) and the Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (Arjun ARRV). The Fly Past was led by Advanced Light Helicopters Weapon System Integrated (WSI) ‘Rudra’ and two Advanced Light Helicopters, ‘Dhruv’ of Army Aviation in ‘Diamond’ formation. The all-women contingent of Assam Rifles was the first of the Paramilitary and other Auxiliary Civil Forces’ columns. It was followed by the Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, Border Security Force Camel Contingent, National Cadet Corps Boys and Girls Contingent and National Service Scheme Marching Contingent. Twenty-two tableaux, comprising 16 from different states and union territories and six Ministries, Departments and other institutions displayed the life, times and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. The year 2019 marks the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. The tableau of Sikkim portrayed the state’s transformation into a 100 per cent organic farming and the cleanest state of the country in consonance with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision and ideal while Maharashtra portrayed Quit India Movement, which was a peoples’ movement in which millions of common Indians had participated. The tableau of Andaman & Nicobar showcased the role of Gandhi among the inmates of Cellular Jail in Andaman. Assam came up with a tableau depicting Gandhiji’s movement in Assam and his dream of rebuilding the rural economy by encouraging the growth of cottage industry. The tableau of Tripura showcased the egalitarian, inclusive and diverse social and ethnic culture based on the Gandhian principles while the Goan tableau showcased Unity in Diversity. Arunachal Pradesh depicted peace within through a tableau of a clean Monpa village and its peaceful, cultural life which Mahatma Gandhi envisioned. Jallianwala Bagh was the theme of Punjab tableau evoking memories of the watershed moment in the Independence struggle. Tamil Nadu showcased Transformation of Dress Code of Mahatma Gandhi on September 22, 1921, in Madurai after seeing scantily clad peasants and poor people working in the farms and doing other manual work. The tableau of Gujarat depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Historical Dandi March’, which shook the foundation of the British Empire by scooping a handful of salt in the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. ‘Ray of Hope-Our Composite Culture’ was the theme of tableau of Jammu and Kashmir while Karnataka showcased Gandhiji’s momentous efforts at the Belagavi Congress session on 26-27 December 1924. The tableau of Uttarakhand depicted Spiritual Anashakti Ashram and Delhi showcased Mahatma Gandhi and his association with the national capital. Uttar Pradesh showcased the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. West Bengal tableau highlighted two key aspects in the life of Mahatma Gandhi- his stay at Kolkata during the crucial juncture of India’s Independence and his association with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Ministry of Power showcased Saubhagya: New India Raushan India while the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation showcased the magnificent four-year-old journey of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the biggest behavioural change campaign in the world. Indian Railways showcased his relationship with Railways in tableau titled ‘Mohan to Mahatma’ and the Ministry of Agriculture depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s economic philosophy called for ending poverty through improved agriculture and small scale rural cottage industries. CPWD (Horticulture) tableau paid floral tributes to the Mahatma and showcased a wide variety of flowers in different hues. Twenty-six children including six girls and 20 boys, Awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2019 for their exceptional achievement, also participated in the parade. The awards have been given to children for their merit in the fields of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service, music, bravery or any other field which deserves recognition. Children’s Pageant was led by Navy Children School Chanakyapuri, Delhi with the performance “Jai Ghosh”- a proclamation of faith and assurance in the principles of the divine soul, Mahatma Gandhi. Children of Government Schools of Bihar Eastern Zone, Cultural Centre, Kolkata danced on the song by reiterating this dream of “Bapu Ka Sapna”. Students of Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV) Kishan Ganj, Delhi and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Paschim Vihar, Delhi paid homage and reverence to Bapu’s ideology through scintillating dance performances. Corps of Signals Motor Cycle Team saluted the president with daredevil acts in the Parade under the dynamic leadership of Captain Manpreet Singh, who broke his own world record smartly from a 12.5 feet ladder. The previous record was from an eight-feet ladder. The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF which commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three ALH Mk IV WSI helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Behind the ‘Hercules’ formation was the ‘Netra’ the “Eye in the Sky”. Trailing them was the ‘Sutlej Formation’ which is AN 32 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation. Behind the ‘Netra’ formation was the ‘Globe’ formation, comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKIs. One of the An-32s was for the first time flying with bio-fuel. Next in line was the Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft, in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Following the Jaguars were five MiG-29 Upgrade Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Three state-of-the-art, SU-30 MKIs of Indian Air Force executed the Trishul manoeuvre. The culmination of the parade was marked by a lone Su-30 MKI flying at a speed of 900 km/hr splitting the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons.

India showcases military might, cultural heritage at 70th Republic Day parade

The winter is harsh and temperatures have dipped to minus 20 degrees Celcius at the line of control between India and Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are maintaining a tight vigil around the fence, despite all odds. The snow is 8-feet deep and the enemy can fire from anywhere, its an act of bravado that keeps these men going at an altitude of 4 thousand metres.&nbsp;

Every morning, wearing special white jackets, security personnel&nbsp;head out on their usual patrol with heavy guns and other equipment to guard the fence. They look at every suspicious movement and look out for an unusual enemy - an avalanche. The bunkers are mostly covered with snow and walking on frozen snow is difficult.&nbsp;

"During the day, we patrol the fence and at night we set special points where we do our duties in shifts, so that enemy doesn't come beyond the fence. If someone comes close, we have orders to fire and kill", said BSF Sub-inspector, Brij Tyagi.&nbsp;

BSF jawans carry tri-colour with them to hoist it near the line of control and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. For them, celebrations are limited but the morale remains high even in adverse conditions. They say that they are happy in celebrating Republic Day with their colleagues with whom they have developed a strong bond over the years. Special meals are cooked and self-made sweets are distributed to mark the day.&nbsp;

"On national festivals, we have to be extra vigilant and carry out extra patrolling. Our nation should remain happy and people should distribute sweets without any worry. We are here for the protection of our nation," noted Head constable Bharat Singh.&nbsp;

The operations don’t stop even for a minute here. A round-the-clock vigil is the only way to keep a sneaking enemy at bay. In this area here, the lull only breaks with the bang of guns.

The winter is harsh and temperatures have dipped to minus 20 degrees Celcius at the line of control between India and Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are maintaining a tight vigil around the fence, despite all odds.

The winter is harsh and temperatures have dipped to minus 20 degrees Celcius at the line of control between India and Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are maintaining a tight vigil around the fence, despite all odds. The snow is 8-feet deep and the enemy can fire from anywhere, its an act of bravado that keeps these men going at an altitude of 4 thousand metres. Every morning, wearing special white jackets, security personnel head out on their usual patrol with heavy guns and other equipment to guard the fence. They look at every suspicious movement and look out for an unusual enemy - an avalanche. The bunkers are mostly covered with snow and walking on frozen snow is difficult. "During the day, we patrol the fence and at night we set special points where we do our duties in shifts, so that enemy doesn't come beyond the fence. If someone comes close, we have orders to fire and kill", said BSF Sub-inspector, Brij Tyagi. BSF jawans carry tri-colour with them to hoist it near the line of control and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. For them, celebrations are limited but the morale remains high even in adverse conditions. They say that they are happy in celebrating Republic Day with their colleagues with whom they have developed a strong bond over the years. Special meals are cooked and self-made sweets are distributed to mark the day. "On national festivals, we have to be extra vigilant and carry out extra patrolling. Our nation should remain happy and people should distribute sweets without any worry. We are here for the protection of our nation," noted Head constable Bharat Singh. The operations don’t stop even for a minute here. A round-the-clock vigil is the only way to keep a sneaking enemy at bay. In this area here, the lull only breaks with the bang of guns.

Self-made sweets and bonhomie in sub-zero temperature: How security forces mark Republic Day in J&K