Colorful Parades and Floats Mark India's Republic Day Celebrations
India's Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety with the national capital witnessing a display of country's military might and its cultural diversity. Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations was Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Colorful Parades and Floats Mark India's Republic Day Celebrations
India celebrated the 61st Anniversary of its Republic Day fittingly with the nation's capital witnessing colorful parades by armed forces in full battle decorations. At 9.30 AM, Prime Minister laid floral wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate along with Defense Minister AK Antony, and the chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.
The March Past, led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Maj. Gen. Manvendra Singh, began from Raisina Hills, proceeded along the Rajpath to the Red Fort with spectators thronging along the route cheering the marchers. Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Pratibha Patil took the salute.
Republic Day chief guest Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A. K. Antony and the country's top political and military brass have watched the march past.
President's unfurling of the national Flag was followed by the traditional 21-gun salute. Ashok Chakra was awarded posthumously to an army doctor Major Laishram Jyotin Singh for his brave acts in Kabul. The Parade began after four Mi-17 helicopters rained flower petals on the spectators.
The Parade was literally a display of India's military might, and included Brahmos Launcher System, T—90 Bheeshma tanks, Brahmos Launcher System, Multi Barrel Rocket System 'Pinaka' and Tactical Control Radar 'Reporter'. NBC (Nuclear- Biological-Chemical) Reconnaissance Vehicle, indigenous Pontoons Movable Section Bridge, Integrated Network Platform and armoured troop carrier Prahar 510 were also on display.
The flypast displayed country's air power with three advanced light helicopters Dhruv flying in arrowhead formation.
The Navy showcased aircraft carrier INS Viraat.
IAF's marching contingent displayed the tableaux of Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) and Aerostat Radar.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) presented the Active Phased Array Radar, a shipborne multi—function radar, and Naval Underwater Weapon System at the parade along with the trainer version of Tejas, India's Light Combat Aircraft.
Ex-service men were represented by a contingent led by 87-year-old M. M. Shukla, the flying officer of Royal Air Force based in Rawalpindi during the World War II.
Military display was followed by a rich spectacle showcasing country's cultural diversity. There were 23 tableaux — 13 from States and ten from ministries.
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