77th Republic Day: Security personnel at Kartavya Path in Delhi
New Delhi:
India's military and cultural strength were on display at the 77th Republic Day Parade in Delhi's Kartavya Path, with a special focus on the 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
Here are 10 points on today's Republic Day parade
- The day started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. President Droupadi Murmu and chief guests, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, came in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President's Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
- As per tradition, the national flag was unfurled, followed by the national anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105 mm light field guns, an indigenously developed artillery system. The 21-gun salute was presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
- For the first time, the parade showcased a phased battle array format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component. The recce element consisted of the 61 Cavalry in active combat uniform. Providing aerial support was the indigenous Dhruv advanced light helicopter, carrying 'Op Sindoor' flag, and its armed version, Rudra.
- Operation Sindoor, India's mega military offensive against Pakistan-backed terrorists, was featured in the Tri-Services tableau of the Indian Defence Forces. Tableaux of multiple states and government departments were also part of the parade.
- The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi, a second-generation officer. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of the Staff, HQ Delhi, a third-generation army officer, was the Parade Second-in-Command.
- Winners of the highest gallantry awards were also part of the parade. They included Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashoka Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalia (retired) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar.
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to go to space, was honoured with the Ashok Chakra by the President.
- A participating European Union (EU) contingent comprised four flag bearers on three gypsies. With them, they carried the flag of the EU, the most recognisable symbol of the European Union; the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides.
- Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, was elaborately decorated to showcase India's remarkable journey. The celebrations featured an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram.
- At least 100 cultural artists performed in the parade on the theme of 'Vividata Mein Ekta - Unity in Diversity'. The grand musical presentation demonstrated the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.
