Leaders of 10 ASEAN nations witnessed grand function at Rajpath in capital
Our Correspondents
India is celebrating its 69th Republic Day today. The main function was held at Rajpath in the national capital where President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the parade. This year, in a first, leaders of 10 ASEAN countries were the Chief Guests.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three service chiefs paid tributes to soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate by laying wreaths.
Before the parade, President Kovind conferred India’s highest peacetime military decoration Ashoka Chakra posthumously on Indian Air Force Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala. Last year November, Nirala had single-handedly shot down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during an anti-terror operation and made supreme sacrifice.
The parade started with flag bearer contingent bearing the ASEAN and 10 ASEAN countries’ flags. Marching contingents from Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces BSF, SSB, ITBP, Delhi Police, NCC and NSS participated in the parade.
India’s strategic defence weaponry was also displayed during the celebrations. Tableaux of fourteen States and nine Central Ministries participated in the parade presenting the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of India. For the first time, All India Radio was part of the parade, showcasing its journey of more than eight decades in the domain of public service, promotion and preservation of socio-cultural and linguistic heritage. Punjab Tableaux depicted the grandeur of Sangat and Pangat in a creative and comprehensive manner and Maharashtra displayed the Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Traditional masks of Assam featured in state’s tableau while Kettukazhcha of Kerala drew the attention. Buddhist heritage place Sanchi and Monastery Kye Gompa also featured in tableaux. Income Tax Department Tableaux showed the collective support of people to the clean money drive. Eighteen children awarded with National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. A newly-raised all-woman bikers contingent of the Border Security Force made its debut on Rajpath.
The 27-member BSF women daredevils received cheers as they showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their Bullet motorcycles. At the end, there was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force. The flypast commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three ALH, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
The flypast concluded with Sukhoi fighter jet carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais.