New Delhi: The 71st Republic Day was celebrated with great pomp and show by India, which showcased her military prowess and cultural diversity in a 90 minute long parade at Rajpath in New Delhi:
The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, gave the salute to the parade which exhibited India’s military might. Weapons, armoured vehicles, latest military equipments and miniatures of newly acquired aircrafts were on display along with contingents of soldiers marching as one. They represented the Army, Navy, Air Force, Armed Police Force, the Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme.
A total of 16 marching contingents took part in the parade.
The Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro, was the chief guest this year. The Republic Day celebrations began with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay tributes to the fallen heroes of the country’s security forces.
The Indian military showcased her pride possessions such as Army tank Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate, newly acquired Rafale fighter jet, Chinook and Apache helicopters, indigenously build Light Aircraft Tejas, Anti Satellite Weapons (ASAT) from Mission Shakti etc.
A highlight of the parade was the contingent of CRPF women bikers performing daredevil stunts on five motorcycles.
22 taleaux representing 16 states and union territories and various ministries brought out the diversity of Indian culture.
At the end there was the flypast with Trishul formation by three Advanced Light Helicopters. A ‘tri-service’ formation also took place for the first time.
