REPUBLIC DAY 2026 CELEBRATIONS- NFMC
CELEBRATIONS AT ST LAWRENCE HS KANDIVALI EAST
In a world rushing toward the future, it is heartening to see a school pause, salute the tricolour, and nurture the next generation of Indians in both spirit and character.
St. Lawrence High School, Kandivali East, part of the Ryan International and St Xavier's Group of Schools, celebrated Republic Day with infectious energy, dignity, and deep patriotic fervour. I was truly humbled to be invited as the Chief Guest for the occasion, accompanied by my wife, Shail Mehta. The Head Master Shashi Shekhar Chauhan, and the school management also graciously welcomed other Guests of Honour: Bhawan Das Malhotra (Retd GM, ONGC), Rakesh Trivedi (Journalist, Times NBT), Hariharan Iyer (Motivational Speaker), and Ms. Jedvi Anand (Journalist, Hindi Samna), along with the ever-supportive PTA members.
The ceremony began on a solemn and graceful note with a prayer, Bible reading, and prayer service, reminding us that the strength of our Republic lies as much in our values as in our Constitution. The unfurling of our National Flag was followed by a symbolic and thoughtful tree plantation, beautifully linking patriotism with responsibility toward the environment.
We then had the privilege of reviewing a smart and disciplined march past and an energetic cultural programme by various student squads, each performance reflecting unity, confidence, and the quiet pride of being Indian. A melodious prayer song by the primary students added a tender, hopeful touch to the morning.
In my address, I encouraged the young Lawrencians to be disciplined, responsible, and proud citizens of India. I reminded them that true patriotism is lived daily in our conduct, compassion, and commitment to the nation.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks, the School Anthem, and finally, the National Anthem, leaving all of us inspired and grateful.
My compliments to Mr Chauhan, the management, teachers, staff, students, and parents of St. Lawrence High School for crafting a Republic Day that touched both the mind and the heart. Thanks to Surekha Bhandary and Jyoti for coordinating our visit to the school. JAI HIND ! ….Cdr Pratap Singh Mehta.
CELEBRATIONS AT ST XAVIERS, KASHIGAON, MIRA ROAD
Meena and I were extended an invite to preside over the Republic Day 2026 celebrations at St Xavier’s Kashigaon in Mira Road by Ms Ruha Khan on behalf of Principal Ms Saroja. The School was celebrating 50th Anniv RYAN Group of Schools this year.
The School had also invited a number of eminent personalities as Guests on the auspicious day. It was a pleasure to meet Capt Sorya Vir Singh, a Army Veteran, ANO(NCC) Naziya Sayyed, Insp Rahul Patil (SHO Kashigaon), PSI Gajanan- Marol, Mr Rakesh Vishwakarma (News Editor Mira Bhayandar), Mr Rahul Thakkar (HT Media), Mr Santosh Govind (Distt Trg Commission). All Guests were requested to jointly unfurl the National Tricolor followed by singing of the National Anthem with Patriotic fervor. We then witnessed a march-past by students in synchronicity. Drill Trg is the bedrock of discipline that helps in grooming the young minds. After the march-past there was unveiling of a large poster highlighting 50 yrs Anniv of St Xavier's under the inspiring Leadership of Ryan family. The cultural program by Children drew a huge round of applause, particularly the young kids putting up a dance performance in Khaki uniform that raised goose-pimples. Capt Raj Dutta addressed the gathering and appreciated the program put-up by students, the excellent efforts of teachers in preparing the students for items. He infused the respect and love for the Tricolour with a Shayari. Capt Shorya shared his experiences in Army; Ms Naziya infused in the students values of honesty and integrity.
After the program the guests were escorted to the first floor for High Tea. A fantastic morning of revelry for Students, Teachers, Parents and guests on Republic Day 2026, brought together by Students and Teachers of St Xavier's, Kashigaon. Bravo Zulu to the organizers.
CELEBRATIONS AT THAKUR VILLAGE
CDR S Srivastava was invited for Flag Unfurling at Thakur Village - Sunflower CHS Ltd , having 200 Residents . Flag unfurling ceremony was held at 9am today, followed by Patriotic songs and dance performance by Children. This was followed by Snacks and the day continued with Fun & Games , magic show etc at the society's premises. Full day function from 9 am to 2pm follwed by Lunch and Tombola.
CELEBRATIONS AT TARAPORE TOWERS
77 th Republic day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the residents of the Tarapore Towers. Children participated and made the proud. Surg Cdr DK Bose was the chief guest and unfurled the national flag with great honour...Daksha Shah
CELEBRATIONS AT GOREGAON EAST-
CDR (DR) BHUSHAN DEWAN
Cdr Bhushan Dewan was the Chief Guest at the 26 Jan 26 Republic Day celebrations of Malhar & Raag Towers, Filmcity Road, Goregaon East, Mumbai. Cdr Bhushan Dewan shared his thoughts on the Republic Day that while the Armed Forces thru their sacrifices contribute towards the security of the nation, it's the duty of each of us as citizens to contribute to nation building thru an attitude of concern & care for our fellow citizens, environment & cleanliness, alertness on potential threats from sleeper cells, quality, excellence & integrity in every task of ours. Security and power of the nation rest on economic wealth, military might --- and more on military manufacturing capability, on which ,thru Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and contributions of our scientists & industrialists, we are achieving large strides. Amidst looming security threats from our enemies and hurdles placed by inimical powers in our vision of becoming a rightful world power, the current Republic Day represents a watershed moment as Bharat & European Union of 400 million people & 20 Tn USD GDP are on the verge of signing mutual long-term partnership agreements on increasing trade, economy, defence manufacturing and strategic Geo-strategic partnership.
CELEBRATIONS AT BHAKTI PARK WADALA
Capt Rakesh Agrawala resident of Bhakti Park says, “As always. Since last 21 years in Bhakti Park Wadala East Mumbai Mount Everest & Mount Alps Society & Whole Bhakti Park Enclave Garden , Unfurling the Tricolour at both the places on 26th January 2026 morning. Being the chief Guest at both the Places, I honoured a 85 year old Couple as special guest. It was attended by more than 100 Residents of Society , sang Patriotic Songs , post the event , breakfast was served to entire Residents , Security, drivers & domestic servants as a part of Republic Day celebration, joy & respecting the Services of guards , drivers & Staff of the society.
At the Bhakti Park Wadala East Garden Flag Unfurling Ceremony of the Tricolour was held with a large number of Residents of whole Enclave consisting of 14 Societies..more than100 Children from poor families performed dances , patriotic songs , speeches & fun. The Children were given gifts for performing , snacks , soft drinks to all including the spectators , Garden security & maintenance staff. It was a grand celebration or the 77th Republic Day of our India..Vande Mataram.
CELEBRATIONS AT AMAR JAWAN
When a few like-minded Veterans assemble and bond together on a National Day, the euphoria created by them is bound to be priceless. It happened at 6 pm on 26th Jan 2026 at Immaculate School Junction, Borivali (West), where about 22 members including 4 couples and 3 Veer Nari converged to celebrate 77th Republic Day and pay their 9th Anniv homage to the ‘Amar Jawan’ monument, resurrected by Veteran Lt Shreekant Bhende. The 26 JAN WhatsApp group of members has been meeting every year on National Days.
GENESIS
Lt Bhende shifted to this location 13 yrs ago and noticed a dilapidated old statue peeping through the tall grass and plants on a traffic island, with its helmet missing and the gun in tatters. A pathetic sight it was and an insult to martyrs. Lt Bhende decided to restore its glory. But getting the requisite permission through the maze of municipal bureaucracy was a difficult task. He approached the municipal Commissioner who verbally approved the request to erect the ‘Amar Jawan’ monument. Lt Bhende then restored this monument by durable weather resistant FRP, that had been his lifeline for 22 yrs after his retirement. The monument was finally erected by Lt Bhende, and inaugurated by RAdm RM Bhatia, President NFMC, in the presence of RAdm S Mahindru (FOMA), Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Secy of the Foundation and other Veterans of the Navy on 07 Apr 2017, nine yrs ago.
26 JAN 2026
22 members of the 26-Jan Whatsapp group Veterans, spouses and Veer Naris of Amar Jawan Borivali met at 6 pm on Republic Day to pay respects to the soldiers KIA during our wars. Apart from Lt Shrikant and Mrs Indira Bhende, other members seen reveling at the monument were Cdr & Mrs KK Kutty, Cdr Mohammed Hadish Cdr Sandeep Shrivastava, Cdr KK Sharma, Capt (Army) Shorya Vir Singh, GpCapt Yogesh Pai, Fg Offr Ishita, Capt Raj and Meena Dutta, Aakash and Anushri, Mrs Sarita Mehta, Mrs Anuprita Paranjpe and Mrs Mukti Ghosh. In addition Sister-Superior Ms Catherine and Principal Ms Lavina, were also present.
Gp Capt Pai, announced the wreath laying by Cdr Moh Hadish, who had lost his dear wife Ashma Khatoon recently ; Everyone saluted as the last post was played by Pai. The meet and greet ceremony, the wreath laying, presentation and photography lasted half an hour after which the group moved to Mary Emmaculate School where Raj took to stage and Welcomed new members Capt Shorya, Fg Offr Ishita, Mrs Sarita Mehta, Aakash and Anushri. He requested Lt Bhende to say a few words. Lt Bhende in brief mentioned about the genesis of Amar Jawan. Raj then prompted Veterans and Veer Naris to recount their feelings for the Day. Capt Shorya expressed his delight at joining this lively group of like minded Veterans. Ms Ishita in her talk mentioned about the noble mission of her legal crusade regarding pension for Short Service officers. Lt Bhende then presented a memento each to Capt Raj (on promotion) and GpCapt Pai for his noble work in 26-Jan group. There was a Karaoke song by Raj and Veer Nari Mukti Ghosh. Joint Cake slicing by Cdr Kutty and Aakash-Anushri. The dinner to follow organised by Lt Bhende was delectable and sumptuous topped up with Gajjar Halwa.
GpCapt Yogesh Pai had been the Right hand of Lt Bhende right from planning to execution of this Grand Affair. BZ Yogesh, you make us proud.
Dosto,
Shaheedon ki chittaon pe har baras lagenge mele,
Watan par mitne walon ka yehi Akhiri nisan hoga.
SAM NO VARUNAH
JAI HIND
PHOTOS
GLIMPSES AT ST LAWRENCE
