NEW DELHI: Braving rain and chilly winds, thousands of people gathered at historic Rajpath to witness India’s military might and rich cultural diversity during the dazzling 68th Republic Day celebrations.
As the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the Chief Guest, a military contingent from UAE was the key highlight of the parade. 149 members were led by a band comprising 35 musicians from that country.
Al Nahyan, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wore a pink color ‘safa’ (turban). PM Modi has been wearing colourful safa in all recent national celebrations like Republic Day and Independence Day.
Besides soldiers from Arab, a contingent of elite National Security Guard, which participated for the first time, turn out to be one of the major attraction.
However, there was little disappointment over the non-inclusion of Special Force contingent, as the para commandoes from Special Forces was involved in the cross-border surgical strike in PoK on September 29. However, the majority of personnel from 4 and 9 Para of Special Forces were awarded gallantry awards including Kirti Chakra, the second highest peacetime gallantry award.
The Indian Army’s missile firing capability T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar ‘Swathi’ and Akash Weapons System and Dhanush Gun System were among the main draw in the mechanised columns.
A marching contingent from Bihar regiment was among several regiments of the Indian army. It is notable to mention here that 19 soldiers from Bihar regiment were killed in the deadly fidayin attack at Uri Brigade on September last year, which eventually triggered a surgical strike by Indian army in PoK-based terror launch pads.
Tableaux from 17 states and Union Territories and six central ministries and departments showcased the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the theme of the tableau of Central Board of Excise and Customs.
After military might, it was turn of Air Force to show its manoeuvre skills.
The fly-past of indigenous built three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 metres in ‘Vic’ formation was given applause by the dignitaries.
The ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft also drew loud cheers in the end. And vertical Charlie manoeuvre by a Su30 enthralled the crowd.
Watch below schoolchildren in Hyderabad honouring India in their own way:
The national capital was wrapped in an unprecedented security cover with thousands of security force personnel keeping a tight vigil to prevent any terror strike or untoward incident during celebrations.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters were deployed to keep a watch on the eight-km-long parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort besides nearby localities.
There were intelligence inputs that terror groups may try to carry out attacks. Delhi Police was sent a special advisory informing them that terror groups might use animals to target crowded areas like important installations, railway stations, etc to create a panic.