Proud Indians witnessed a spectacular display of military might and vibrant cultural tapestry at the gala parade, at Kartavya Path, today. The national parade celebration was graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest, who was joined by the Indian President Droupadi Murmu in leading the festivities.
The Republic Day Parade on Friday, began with the proud winners of the highest gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakra winners, and showcased India’s top weapons’ system – Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG Missile System, Infantry Combat Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle, Pinaka, Weapon Locating Radar System ‘Swathi’, Sarvatra Mobile Bridging System, Drone Jammer System, and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System among others.
The first Army contingent leading the Mechanised Column was of 61 Cavalry, led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’.
Marching down the Kartavya Path for the first time was an all-women Tri-Service contingent, led by Captain Sandhya of Military Police, with three supernumerary officers Captain Sharanya Rao, Sub Lieutenant Anshu Yadav and Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Rao, and an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent, headed by Major Srishti Khullar with Captain Amba Samant of Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana of Indian Navy and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya of Indian Air Force.
The Republic Day Parade, began with the proud winners of the highest gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakra winners, and showcased India’s top weapons’ system
The Army Marching Contingents included The Madras Regiment, The Grenadiers, Rajputana Rifles, Sikh Regiment and the Kumaon Regiment.
The Indian Navy contingent consisted of 144 men and women Agniveers, led by Lt Prajwal M as Contingent Commander and Lt Mudita Goyal, Lt Sharvani Supreiya and Lt Devika H as Platoon Commanders.
The Naval Tableau, depicting the themes ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation’, followed it.
The first part of the tableau showcased the women in the Indian Navy in all roles and in all ranks across the Navy while the second depicted the very first indigenous Carrier Battle Group, comprising the Aircraft Carrier Vikrant, her highly capable escort ships Delhi, Kolkata and Shivalik, the Light Combat Aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter, the Kalvari Class Submarine and the GSAT-7, Rukmani Satellite.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprised 144 airmen and four officers, led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. Squadron Leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil did the march past as supernumerary officers behind the Contingent Commander. The IAF tableau was based on the theme ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar’.
The tableau depicted LCA Tejas and Su-30 flying over the Indian Ocean, and a C-295 transport aircraft being flown by a women aircrew in the cockpit. The GSAT- 7A positioned on the tableau represented the IAF’s incorporation of space technology in its operations. The tableau showed that IAF has been at the forefront of rendering humanitarian aid, both within and across borders.
Captain Sandhya of Military Police, with three supernumerary officers, and an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent, led an all-women Tri-Service contingent for the first time at the Republic Day parade
Another highlight of the parade was the Veterans’ Tableau on the theme ‘Rashtra Nirmaan: Pehle Bhi, Ab Bhi, Aage Bhi aur Hamesha’. It showcased the bravery and sacrifices of the ex-servicemen in the service of the nation.
In another historic first, Lieutenants Deepti Rana and Priyanka Sevda, who are among 10 women officers commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery for the first time last year, led the ‘Swathi’ weapon locating radar and Pinaka rocket system at the parade on Kartavya Path.
Over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as Shankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands heralded the parade.
The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial. President Murmu, accompanied by President Macron, then took the salute at the parade, which began at 10:30 am.
Sixteen tableaux from various states and Union territories, along with nine from central ministries and departments, rolled down Kartavya Path, depicting India’s rich cultural tapestry. These tableaux also highlighted the theme of “women empowerment”.
The IAF tableau depicted LCA Tejas and Su-30 flying over the Indian Ocean, and a C-295 transport aircraft being flown by a women aircrew in the cockpit
Notably, the newly consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya featured prominently in Uttar Pradesh’s tableau.
The BSF contingent had women camel riders, showcasing the prowess of women in various fields, which are considered the domain of men only.
These ‘Ships of the Desert’ are dependable companions of the border force’s personnel in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and the inhospitable terrain of the Rann of Kutch.
The camel-mounted troops have been instrumental in successfully tracking down smugglers and extremists at the Rajasthan and Gujarat borders.
The performance of the BSF camel contingent was also appreciated by foreign delegates during the G-20 Summit in India.
The only band of its kind in the world, the camel-mounted band of the BSF played the melodious tune of “Hum Hai Seema Suraksha Bal, Bahaduron Ka Dal” during the parade.
It first participated in the Republic Day parade in 1990. The band is a permanent feature in the Desert and Marwar festivals, too. It has also participated in various camel training demonstrations at various musical riding shows.
The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial. President Murmu, accompanied by President Macron, then took the salute at the parade
MEA’s tableau showcased India’s G-20 presidency achievements. It reflected India’s leadership of addressing global issues in an ambitious, decisive, inclusive and action-oriented manner
The climax of the festivities was a thrilling fly-past over Kartavya Path featuring 54 aircraft, including three from the French Air and Space Force.
The pilots kicked off with the ‘Prachand’ formation, led by one LCH alongside two Apache Helicopters and Two ALH Mk-IV flying in a striking ‘Arrow Formation.’
The ‘Tangail’ formation, led by a Dakota aircraft followed by two Dornier aircraft, presented a graceful flyover. The pinnacle of the event was the ‘Vajraang’ formation, featuring six Rafale aircraft in the impressive ‘Marut’ formation.
It is estimated that around 77,000 spectators witnessed the parade at Kartavya Path, with stringent security protocols, including commando deployments and anti-sabotage checks, ensuring their safety.
President Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron arrived at Kartavya Path in the ‘traditional buggy’, a practice that made a comeback after a gap of 40 years.
-The writer is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on international and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda
