4 years ago
New Delhi:
India celebrates its 72nd Republic Day today with a shortened programme at Rajpath in Delhi amid the coronavirus pandemic. The programme began at 9 am and concluded after the traditional fly past 11.25 am.
Apart from a reduced list of events, the parade also had a shorter route, no chief guest, fewer spectators, no children under 15 in the annual parade, and fewer soldiers in the Army and Navy contingents.
In a display of India's military might, Rafale fighter jets took part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time as the armed forces showcased its T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets on the Rajpath.
Depicting the nation's rich cultural heritage and economic progress, 17 tableaux from states and union territories and nine from different Union ministries and paramilitary forces took part in the 72nd Republic day parade.
Six tableaux of the defence ministry also attended the event.
Here are the Republic Day Highlights:
Rafale Aircraft Makes R-Day Flypast Debut, Performs "Vertical Charlie"
A Rafale fighter jet - one of the eight inducted into the Indian Air Force over the last year - took part in the Republic Day celebrations for the first time as it carried out the demanding and spectacular "Vertical Charlie" maneuver alone and was part of the "Eklavya" formation with four other fighter jets. Read more
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unfurled the national flag in Panchkula today, on Republic Day.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu wishes nation on Republic Day
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday greeted the nation on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day.
Wishing citizens on the occasion, the VP tweeted: "On this occasion, we should reaffirm our commitment towards the Constitution and founding principles of our Republic based on the cherished ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice for all."
Australian PM Scott Morrison greets India on Republic Day
🇦🇺🇮🇳 are closer than we have ever been. While we celebrate our nation on #AustraliaDay today, I also extend my best wishes to my good friend @narendramodi & all Indians on #RepublicDay. गणतंत्र दिवस की शुभकामनाएँ| #dosti pic.twitter.com/53trQwNfP5
- Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 26, 2021
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag in Baster today, on Republic Day.
Rafale jet showstopper in Republic Day flypast
Rafale fighter jets, which were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) last year, featured in the Republic Day parade and culminated the flypast by carrying out the ''Vertical Charlie'' formation.
A Rafale jet with two Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft and two MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters conducted the "Eklavya" formation at a height of 300 m and a speed of 780 km/h.
The parade culminated with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ''Vertical Charlie''. The aircraft was piloted by Group Captain Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Squadron leader Kislaykant.
Republic Day parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a 'Vertical Charlie'. The aircraft is piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.
The 'Trinetra' formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a 'Trishul in the Sky'. The formation is led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni.
One Rafale with 2 Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft & 2 MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters, in 'Eklavya' formation are the next to fly past, at a height of 300m and speed of 780 Km/h.
The formation is led by Gp Capt Rohit Kataria, Flight Commander of 17 Squadron.
'Rudra' formation comprising a Dakota aircraft flanked by 2 Mi-17 IV helicopters.
Dakotas were instrumental in airlifting troops into Kashmir Valley to repel invaders from across border in 1947. They played a significant role in Tangail airdrop leading to Bangladesh's libeartion.
With the theme of 'Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID' the tableau of the Department of Biotechnology depicts the process of COVID-19 Vaccine development through various processes.
ITBP personnel celebrate Republic Day at the banks of Pangong Tso lake.
Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir.
The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit.
Tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The tableau has the theme '400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur'.
The end of the trailer shows Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, the site of cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the Gujarat tableau.
The tableau depicts the Sabhamandap, part of the Sun Temple. It's 52 pillars denote 52 weeks of a Solar year.
The display of cultural tableaux begins at Republic Day parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the Union Territory.
It shows Ladakh's culture and communal harmony besides art & architecture, languages & dialects, customs and costumes, fairs and festivals, literature, music.
NCC Girls marching contingent led by Senior Under Officer Samruddhi Harshal Sant of NCC Directorate, Maharashtra.
DRDO contingent this year consists of two Tableaus: Light Combat Aircraft-Navy - Take off from INS Vikramaditya and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.
A contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) also known as the Black Cat Commandoes march down Rajpath. The Force was raised in 1984.
The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh, at Rajpath on Republic Day.
Indian Navy's tableau with the theme of 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' being displayed at Republic Day parade.
The trailer of tableau showcases Navy's principal combatant in 1971 war, INS Vikrant conducting flying operations with Sea Hawk and Alize aircrafts.
Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade.
Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system. She is the only woman contingent commander from Army at Republic Day parade 2021.
Schilka Weapon system is equipped with modern radar and digital fire control computers.
Naval Brass Band led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune 'Jai Bharti' marches down Rajpath.
Republic Day parade: The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion.
Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment(Pinaka)being led by Capt Vibhor Gulati
214 mm Pinaka MBRL is one of the most advanced rocket systems in world. A fully automated system, it can deliver firepower within a short span of time over large area.
The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman.
This missile has been developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It has a maximum range of 400 km.
Marching Contingent and Band of Bangladesh Army participate in Republic Day parade. The contingent is being led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan.
The 122-member strong contingent is participating in the parade for the first time.
The main battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, which is commanded by Captain Karanveer Singh Bhangu of 54 Armoured Regiment goes past the saluting dais.
Winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath
Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery & self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Ashok Chakra awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's Republic Day parade, as the Parade Commander.
The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, on 72nd Republic Day.
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at Rajpath for the Republic Day parade and celebrations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat unfurled the national flag today.
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala unfurls the national flag on Republic Day.
Prime Minister Modi is wearing a special 'Paghdi' from Jamnagar, today. The first such 'Paghdi' was gifted to the PM by the royal family of Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Republic Day 2021: Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the ceremonial book at the National War Memorial at the India Gate
Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Navy Staff also present.
Republic Day: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hoists tricolour in Jaipur
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hoisted the national flag at his residence in the state capital, Jaipur on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day.
He later hoisted the tricolour at a ceremony at Badi Chaupar in Jaipur.
"On this 72nd Republic Day, let us pledge to uphold & safeguard the founding values of our Constitution and ensure those are adhered to in its letter and spirit," said Mr Gehlot on his Twitter handle.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the national capital with police barricades mounted at various important places in the city including ITO, Yamuna Bridge and other locations ahead of the Republic Day parade.
Republic Day: ITBP jawans march with national flag on frozen water body in Ladakh
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans braved the intense cold to march with the national flag on a frozen water body in Ladakh on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day.
On the eve of Republic Day on Monday, 17 Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel were also awarded police service medals in various categories.
Two officers, Assistant Commandant Anurag Kumar Singh and Deputy Commandant Rajesh Kumar Luthra had been decorated with police medals for gallantry, three with the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 12 with police medals for Meritorious Service.
The ITBP contingent is set to be part of the Republic Day Parade on Tuesday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unfurled the Tricolour at his residence, on Republic Day.
Jan 26, 2021 09:41 (IST)