India celebrates its 72nd R-Day, showcases military might, cultural diversity

New Delhi: India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress were on display during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations here at the majestic Rajpath on Tuesday, which was largely curtailed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Republic Day Parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial.

Mr Modi-led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.

As per tradition, the National Flag was unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.

The parade commenced with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute.

The parade commenced at 1000 hrs from Vijay Chowk and ended at the National Stadium, covering a distance of 3.3 km, instead of normal 8.2 km, owing to the COVID-19 protocol.

Owing to the COVID protocols, the size of marching squads participating in the parade was reduced.

This year, only around 25,000 spectators were allowed to witness the parade as compared to the average 1.15 lakh people each year.

Children below the age of 15 years and the elders with co-morbidities were not be permitted to witness the parade.

The parade was commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, Ati Vishisth Seva medal, General Officer Commanding Delhi Area. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area was the Parade, Second-in-Command.

The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards were followed which included the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Subedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winner Lieutenant Colonel D Sreeram Kumar followed the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps.

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.

The 122-member proud contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising of soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force lead the contingent march on the Rajpath. The Bangladesh contingent will carry the legacy of legendary Muktijoddhas of Bangladesh, who fought against oppression and mass atrocities and liberated Bangladesh in 1971.

Representing India’s strides in indigenous defence technologies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) contingent this year consisted of two tableaux depicting among others Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Navy - Take off from INS Vikramaditya.

Indian Army displayed Main Battle Tank T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-II) - Sarath, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system, Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System and Samvijay Electronic Warfare System among others.

Indian Navy in addition to tableaux murals depicting Pakistan Army surrendering, a Petya class ship and Operation X undertaken by divers of Indian Navy and Mukti Bahini and some other ships which took part in the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased among others Mi-17 V5, Chinook and Apache helicopters.

Thirty-two tableaux - 17 from States and Union Territories, nine from various Ministries/Departments and Paramilitary Forces and six from Ministry of Defence, depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess roll down the Rajpath.

School children performed folk arts and crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations; Bajasal, one of the most beautiful folk dances of Kalahandi, Odisha; Fit India Movement, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The grand event culminated with Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900 kilometres per hour carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’.

The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and the release of Tri-colour balloons. (UNI)