Gujarat will showcase its pride, Asiatic Lions of the famous Gir Sanctuary as its theme in the Republic Day tableau in New Delhi on January 26.
This year marks the golden jubilee of foundation of Gir wildlife sanctuary and the Defence Ministry has approved 'Gir Sanctuary - Asiatic Lions' theme for Republic Day tableau, a state government spokesperson told PTI.
The official said the tableau will also show youth of Siddi tribe, settled in the Gir forests, performing their traditional dance in their ethnic attire.
The front portion of the tableau will present Asiatic lions in their characteristic majestic pose as the King of the forest, while in the middle section fearless cattle owners (who live among the ferocious lions) will be on the display with the Gir cows, the officer said.
The tableau is being given final shape under the guidance of Commissioner of Information SB Raval, Additional Director of Information Arvind Patel and Deputy Director of Information Pankaj Modi, he said.
Gujarat government's relentless wildlife management in collaborations with the cattle owners of Gir have established a unique ecological balance between the flora and fauna in the sanctuary. This has resulted in a sharp rise of 27 percent in the number of endangered species, resulting in 523 lions in 2015, the officer said.
