India put up a fabulous show displaying its military might and cultural diversity during the 71st Republic Day Parade
India put up a fabulous show displaying its military might and cultural diversity during the 71st Republic Day Parade on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Rajpath in New Delhi.
The day began with President of India – Ram Nath Kovind unfurling the India National Flag, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-guns salute. The Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi, in a first, visited the National War Memorial instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, where he paid tributes to martyred soldiers.
Paying homage to war martyrs, Modi tweeted, “This morning, on #RepublicDay, paid homage at the National War Memorial. India will always be grateful to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. Their exemplary service motivates crores of Indians.”
This morning, on #RepublicDay, paid homage at the National War Memorial.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020
India will always be grateful to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.
Their exemplary service motivates crores of Indians. pic.twitter.com/zamzvldKKi
The President of Brazil – Jair Messias Bolsonaro was the Chief Guest during India’s Republic Day celebrations.
The 90 minutes spectacular show demonstrated India’s military prowess, socio-economic progress and cultural diversity. Thousands of people who had gathered to witness the grand parade applauded the daredevil acts displayed by all-woman biker contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who made their debut today.
The armed forces were at the helm of the show parading an array of weapons. They showcased Army’s battle tank – Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate, India Air Force’s (IAF’s) latest addition – Rafale fighter jet. Adding to the spectacle were newly inducted Chinook heavy lift helicopter and Apache attack choppers. Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) from Mission Shakti, the Dhanush artillery were also the highlight of the Parade.
There was a total of 16 marching contingents. Of this, 6 were from the India Army and the rest belonged to Indian Navy, IAF, Central Armed Police Forces, the Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme.
For the 2nd consecutive year, a woman officer led an all-male contingent. The Corps of Signals marched down the Rajpath, led by Captain – Tania Sher Gill, who recently made history by becoming the first woman Parade Adjutant to lead all-men contingents during the Army Day function.
Extending wishes to the countrymen, Modi tweeted, “Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay. सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। जय हिंद!”
Talking about India’s might, Modi wrote on twitter, “On #RepublicDay, we see glimpses of India’s military and security prowess. Our forces are among the most professional and talented in the world. In addition to protecting the nation, their role in assisting people during humanitarian crisis is also noteworthy.”
On #RepublicDay, we see glimpses of India’s military and security prowess.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020
Our forces are among the most professional and talented in the world.
In addition to protecting the nation, their role in assisting people during humanitarian crisis is also noteworthy. pic.twitter.com/wjTHbrUXEd
Talking of India’s diversity, Modi tweeted, “India’s diversity strengthens us. We are proud that so many cultures live happily in India. We saw some glimpses of India’s diversity during the #RepublicDay Parade today.”
India’s diversity strengthens us.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020
We are proud that so many cultures live happily in India.
We saw some glimpses of India’s diversity during the #RepublicDay Parade today. pic.twitter.com/N70mS2kAIX
Sharing some images of Republic Day celebrations, Modi tweeted, “Here are some glimpses from the #RepublicDay Parade. This is a day to remember the remarkable individuals who gave us a comprehensive Constitution that ensures the well-being of 130 crore Indians.”
Here are some glimpses from the #RepublicDay Parade.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020
This is a day to remember the remarkable individuals who gave us a comprehensive Constitution that ensures the well-being of 130 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/JTzKzn0Gxx
The 61st Cavalry, erstwhile Gwalior Lancers, the only active horse cavalry regiment in the world, raised in 1953, also took part in the march. The Indian Navy presented its Boeing P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, the Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class submarine. The Naval contingent comprised 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant – Jitin Malkat.
The gathering was enthralled to see 22 tableaux from 16 States and Union Territories (UTs). The States of West Bengal and Kerala were not represented as their tableau ideas were rejected by the Centre. The show culminated with 3 Advanced Light Helicopters forming ‘Trishul’ in the sky, followed by a VIC formation of Chinook helicopters.
