As the nation celebrates its 59th Republic Day, the country?s rich culture and its heritage were showcased on the Rajpath. The astounding extravaganza, imbued in the colours of our nation, marched on into another year of our Republic.
USING THE colours of our nation, the parade was the national fête, marching down the street connecting splendid Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate as President Pratibha Patil took the customary 21-gun salute.
It was amazing, as the soldiers in battle regalia, sparkling show of air power, impressive floats depicting the diverse culture, the country’s prized armament and hundreds of colourfully-dressed dancing school children were part of the parade.
As the march-past continued and was watched by thousands of visitors, among them the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the chief guest, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the country’s top political and military brass besides the diplomatic community.
As the parade began, the Prime Minister, defence minister AK Antony and chiefs of army, navy and air force laid wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti, the war memorial at the India Gate where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who gave their lives during the first world war.
If we talk about the security, around 20,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while the commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Delhi Police kept vigil at important locations of Delhi.
For ground-to-air security, the army put equipments in place in the national capital for the intelligence to be cautious about possible strikes.
President Patil and her French counterpart arrived at the Rajpath, escorted by the President’s bodyguards riding horses and as well as in cars.
The parade was lead by general officer commanding major general KJS Oberoi. It was amazing to see the different kind of colours, projecting each and every beautiful state of India.
The most incredible view was, when the army showcased its incredible armoury before the nation with indigenously developed frontline T-90 battle tanks, the Indian version of Brahmos and surface-to-surface Agni missiles making its maiden appearance at this year’s Republic Day parade.
The Israeli-upgraded 155 MM artillery guns made their first appearance at this year’s parade accompanied with Dhanush missiles and the long-range Smerch rocket system.
Other defence equipments displayed by the Army include the BLT T-72 (the Bridge Laying Tanks), 155 SOLTOM guns, Tanguska air defence gun system, Sarvatra bridge, mobile network connect centre, infantry combat vehicle - BMP II K and the carrier mortar tracking vehicle.
Each and every thing in parade was magnificent but the most heart-rending moment was when the tearful relatives of major Dinesh Raghu Raman, captain Harshan and naib subedar Chunilal received the Ashok Chakra, posthumously awarded to the brave soldiers, from Patil.
It was amazing, as the soldiers in battle regalia, sparkling show of air power, impressive floats depicting the diverse culture, the country’s prized armament and hundreds of colourfully-dressed dancing school children were part of the parade.
As the march-past continued and was watched by thousands of visitors, among them the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the chief guest, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the country’s top political and military brass besides the diplomatic community.
As the parade began, the Prime Minister, defence minister AK Antony and chiefs of army, navy and air force laid wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti, the war memorial at the India Gate where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who gave their lives during the first world war.
If we talk about the security, around 20,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while the commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Delhi Police kept vigil at important locations of Delhi.
For ground-to-air security, the army put equipments in place in the national capital for the intelligence to be cautious about possible strikes.
President Patil and her French counterpart arrived at the Rajpath, escorted by the President’s bodyguards riding horses and as well as in cars.
The parade was lead by general officer commanding major general KJS Oberoi. It was amazing to see the different kind of colours, projecting each and every beautiful state of India.
The most incredible view was, when the army showcased its incredible armoury before the nation with indigenously developed frontline T-90 battle tanks, the Indian version of Brahmos and surface-to-surface Agni missiles making its maiden appearance at this year’s Republic Day parade.
The Israeli-upgraded 155 MM artillery guns made their first appearance at this year’s parade accompanied with Dhanush missiles and the long-range Smerch rocket system.
Other defence equipments displayed by the Army include the BLT T-72 (the Bridge Laying Tanks), 155 SOLTOM guns, Tanguska air defence gun system, Sarvatra bridge, mobile network connect centre, infantry combat vehicle - BMP II K and the carrier mortar tracking vehicle.
Each and every thing in parade was magnificent but the most heart-rending moment was when the tearful relatives of major Dinesh Raghu Raman, captain Harshan and naib subedar Chunilal received the Ashok Chakra, posthumously awarded to the brave soldiers, from Patil.
Republic day is celebrated with much fanfare each year, using a different theme and colour every year. This time around also, it was a different one. It was an amazing and excellent experience seeing the parade ‘live’ out here.
No comments:
Post a Comment