The Hindu : New Delhi News : India puts best foot forward as the Republic turns 60

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Wednesday, Jan 27, 2010
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New Delhi

India puts best foot forward as the Republic turns 60

Urvashi Sarkar

NEW DELHI: India’s mounting military might, cultural diversity and remarkable enterprise were on display at the Republic Day Parade on the majestic Rajpath here on Tuesday even as dense fog played spoilsport for a better part of the proceedings.

President Pratibha Patil arrived at the centre-stage escorted by the elite President’s Bodyguard. With her was South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, the chief guest at the Parade this year.

A 21-gun salute was followed by the hoisting of the Tricolour and a solemn rendition of the National Anthem. The much awaited proceedings began with 61 Cavalry’s smartly turned out horsemen in red. Impeccably attired contingent after contingent marched in tandem to lively tunes of various military bands.

The Army’s mechanised columns consisted of the Arjun tank — said to have accurate fast target acquisition capability in all types of weather, besides being highly manoeuvrable — and the Smerch multiple rocket launch system. The armoured engineer reconnaissance Sarvatra vehicle bridge, infantry combat-based communication vehicle Samyukta, and an ambulance-tracked vehicle designed for speedy evacuation of battle casualties and immediate medical care were also part of the mechanised column.Contingents and bands from the Indian Navy and the Air Force clad in various hues of blue showcased their tableaux. Contingents from para-military and auxiliary civil forces also joined in.

The camel contingent of the Border Security Force was an attractive sight with members in vibrantly coloured uniforms. The band members were also on camel-back.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased a variety of military equipment including Tejas, the light combat vehicle, Agni-III and Shourya missiles, and the Rohini radar.

The cultural tableaux were also a big hit, each one being greeted with applause and whistles. A loud cheer went up when the National Bravery Award-winning children arrived in jeeps. They were followed by highly spirited school children who showcased their talents in various dance numbers.

The motorcycle daredevilry by BSF personnel left the audience enthralled as the riders balanced themselves in breathtaking positions on running motorcycles.

All eyes were then trained skyward as an IL-78, two AN-32 and two Dornier aircraft in “Big Boy” formation took the lead in the fly-past. They were followed by three aircraft, including an AWACS (airborne warning and control system) and two SU-30 MKI aircraft in “Sentry” formation. Spectators were awe-struck by the speed of the five deep penetration strike aircraft Jaguars in “Arrowhead” formation, followed by a second formation of five MiG-29 aircraft. The tail end of the fly-past comprised a “Trishul” formation of three SU-30 MKI aircraft.

Before the Parade, the Ashok Chakra was awarded to Major D. Sreeram Kumar of 39 Assam Rifles, Major Mohit Sharma of the Parachute Regiment’s (Special Forces) First Battalion (Posthumous), and Havildar Rajesh Kumar of Rajputana Rifles’ 11th Battalion (Posthumous).

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the nation in paying homage to martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

Because of poor visibility, the showering of petals by four Mi-17 helicopters was cancelled.

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