Telangana's first Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao unfurled the national flag and reviewed a colourful parade here to mark the formation of India's 29th state.
After taking oath as the chief minister, Rao hoisted the tricolour and took salute at an impressive parade held at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad.
It was a historic moment as KCR, as Rao is popularly known, unfurled the flag at the main official celebrations, attended by his cabinet colleagues, senior officials, and a large number of policemen and people.
KCR, who played a key role in the state's formation, waved at the crowd as he drove in an open top vehicle at the sprawling ground to review the parade. There were loud cheers from the people, some of whom were holding national flags.
Various battalions of police from different parts of Telangana, City Armed Reserve, mounted police, Special protection Force (SPF) and home guard participated in the parade.