The 71st Republic Day was celebrated at the ICAR-NRC Banana, Tiruchirappalli on 26.01.2020 with flag hoisting and distribution of sweets by Dr. S. Uma, Director. In her Republic Day address to the staff, she appreciated the scientists and staff for the achievements made by the Centre during the past one year with a special mention about release of new banana varieties approved by the State variety release committee and Central variety release committee and appreciation certificate issued by the Programme Coordinator at the recently held AICRP (Fruits) meeting at PAU, Ludhiana. Development of sea protocol for shipment of banana that lead to regular export of traditional bananas to the Middle East and neighboring countries was also lauded. She further urged everyone to work hard for the successful conduct of the upcoming “International Conference on Banana ICB-2020” at Tiruchirappalli. All staff of the Centre, students and public from the nearby villages took active participation in the Ceremony.