NEHRU LAUNCHES VOLUNTEER FORCE FOR RURAL AREAS

The inauguration of the All India Village Volunteer Force this morning by Prime Minister Nehru highlighted the Republic Day celebrations in the countr y.

... Elsewhere in the countr y, people celebrated the Republic Day with a pledge to defend the countr y's honour, sovereignty, freedom and integrity.

The pledge was taken at public meetings at various State capitals and other centres. Unlike in previous years, this year's celebrations were devoid of the customary pomp and pageantry obviously because of the national emergency brought about by the continuing Chinese threat to the nation's security.