Mysuru:  Two tribals from the State — Shekar Maravanthe from Koraga community in Udupi district and Jyothi of Hasalur in Chikkamagalur district — shared their experiences on taking part in the Republic Day celebration at New Delhi, at a programme organised at Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI) in Kuvempunagar here yesterday.

Speaking first, Jyothi said initially she seemed lost among the huge crowd at New Delhi Republic Day celebration but later got adjusted herself to the huge gathering.

Pointing out that some seats were reserved for foreigners and guest tribals, she said that by taking part in the celebration, she could see a warplane and its activities. Stating that the marchpast by NCC Cadets, Navy, Army and Airforce personnel was a wonderful sight, she said she could not ever forget the scenes.

Stating that she had a glimpse of PM Modi, the President, Vice-President, Sonai Gandhi and ex-PM Manmohan Singh when they visited Rajghat on the death anniversary of Mahatma Ganghi, Jyothi said she got a chance to click selfies with them.

Recalling the cherishing moments when she participated in the Luncheon hosted by the Vice-President, she said they were given a warm reception by the Vice-President staff.

Stating that the Republic Day celebration was unique this time, as heads of 10 nations had taken part, Jyothi said she got a chance of her lifetime to see India Gate, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, Taj Mahal, Mathura, Agra and a few other places in Delhi and UP.

Opining that she was very much enthused after taking part in the Republic Day celebration at Delhi, she said that the celebration must take place in every household of the country. She further said that she attributes her participation in the Republic Day parade to the Indian Constitution.

Shekar Maravanthe, the other tribal who took part in the celebration, said that he had little knowledge about urban life and the memories of his participation in the Republic Day celebration, will remain etched in his memory for long.

Stating that he had once been to Mumbai by train and that he never had any other travel experience, he said that he could not realise where he was when his flight landed in New Delhi.

Sharing his experiences, Shekar said he was very much delighted that he got a chance to visit Agra, Taj Mahal, Mathura and other tourist destinations in and around Delhi. A calendar brought out by KSTRI was released on the occasion. KSTRI Director Prof. T.T. Basavangouda, Research Officer Saraswathi and others were present.