LUCKNOW, Jan. 28 -- The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) won first prize for its tableau at the Republic Day 2026 parade, showcasing the city's transformation and urban growth. The Jan Bhawan Secretariat secured second place, while the Department of Information & Public Relations finished third. The State Drinking Water & Sanitation Mission received a consolation award. According to LDA officials, winners were selected based on judges' scores and will receive trophies from Governor Anandiben Patel during the Beating the Retreat ceremony. The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with grandeur at SSB Frontier Headquarters, Lucknow. Inspector General Shri Ratna Sanjay, IPS, hoisted the national flag and honoured personnel with DG Golden and Silver Discs. A patriotic pipe band performance and collective pledge marked the occasion. The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Indian Railways Institute of Transport Management (IRITM), Lucknow. Director general Ranjan Prakash Thakur hoisted the national flag and addressed officers and staff, highlighting institutional achievements and paying tribute to freedom fighters. A special education awareness campaign was carried across the state thereby transforming the 77th Republic Day from a mere celebration into a widespread public movement for education. A total of 375 education chariots were flagged off simultaneously from all 75 district basic education officers' offices. Five education chariots were launched from each district, with the objective of directly disseminating information about government schemes related to education to the general public, a spokesperson said. Each education chariot included two teachers and 10 students. Thus, more than 4500 education ambassadors (teachers and students) led the campaign across the state. Each education chariot stopped at three locations to engage in a direct dialogue with the public. Through this, public dialogues were held at a total of 1,125 locations across the state. Modern Coach Factory, Rae Bareli, celebrated the 77th Republic Day with flag hoisting by general manager Prashant Kumar Mishra. Highlights included an impressive parade, cultural programmes, recognition of a President's Medal awardee, and achievements in coach production, solar energy, and groundwater conservation. On Republic Day, the national flag was hoisted at Hazratganj Fire Station. ADG Padmaja Chauhan honoured senior fire officers and firefighters with DG commendation medals, service awards, and certificates for exemplary leadership, bravery, and outstanding response to fire and life-saving emergencies in Lucknow. htc...