Hyderabad, June 2 (Reporter) The Telangana Formation Day celebrations on Sunday were marked by the launch of the state song, ceremonial parades, tributes to martyrs, and honouring of eminent people, amid elaborate arrangements. At the main event held at Secunderabad Parade Grounds, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the ceremonial parade presented by contingents of uniformed personnel. This was the first Formation Day celebration under the Congress after assuming power in the state. Earlier, Reddy paid tributes to the martyrs of the Telangana movement at the Martyrs Memorial at Gun Park near the state secretariat before arriving at the parade grounds. The Chief Minister reviewed the parade from an open jeep, accompanied by DGP Ravi Gupta, the parade commander. Despite the scorching heat prevailing in the city and its environs since morning, a large number of people, including women and children, watched the colorful celebrations at the iconic Secunderabad Parade Grounds. Coinciding with the state formation day, the Chief Minister formally launched the state's official song, "Jaya Jeyahe Telangana." In his address, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude on behalf of Telangana to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for realizing the dream of a separate Telangana after six decades. He emphasized that freedom is integral to the Telangana way of life and reiterated the state's commitment to democracy and social justice. The Chief Minister highlighted the government's achievements in restoring freedom in public administration, making government offices accessible, and ensuring the media and opposition's freedom. He stressed the importance of cultural and economic revival for the future of Telangana and announced steps in that direction. He also underscored the historical significance of Telangana's journey since its formation on June 2, 2014, and the government's resolve to fulfill the aspirations of its people. The Chief Minister highlighted the state's tumultuous past and outlined future plans for cultural and economic revival. CM Reddy remarked that Telangana suffered a century of destruction, exacerbated by a decade of misrule. He noted that not only physical structures but also fundamental freedoms and social justice were severely impacted. He emphasized that the state's wealth, meant for all its people, was concentrated in the hands of a few, and cultural traditions were eroded, leading to financial ruin. However, he declared these issues as part of the past, emphasizing that Telangana now has a government elected by the people, for the people, and by the people. This was the first Formation Day celebrated under a public government, making it a significant milestone in the state's history...////...