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Military might, cultural diversity showcased on R-Day
New Delhi, Jan 26: Amidst a multi-layered security blanket, the country`s military prowess woven with technological advancements and diverse cultural richness were paraded down the historic Rajpath here today on the occasion of 55th Republic Day.
New Delhi, Jan 26: Amidst a multi-layered security blanket, the country`s military prowess woven with technological advancements and diverse cultural richness were paraded down the historic Rajpath here today on the occasion of 55th Republic Day.
President A P J Abdul Kalam took salute in the presence of country`s top brass and chief guest Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.
With security forces on maximum alert, the parade led by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Delhi area Major General Thomas Mathew unveiled virtually the entire armoury of the Army, Navy and Air Force to instill a sense of confidence and security among the countrymen.
These included the latest acquisitions like Agni-II long-range missiles, fast-moving attack vehicle Windy-505, pilotless target aircraft (PTA), advance light helicopters (ALH) and transportable satellite terminal.
The event featured two mounted columns, 13 mechanised columns and 18 marching squads of the Army, three contingents each of the Navy and Air Force, besides 23 marching contingents from para-military and police forces.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its advancement in the defence field through six tableaux, which moved along with 29 cultural tableaux from various states and Central ministries.
The programme began with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee leading the nation in paying tributes to martyred soldiers by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. The buglers sounded the `last post` and a two-minute silence was observed.
Thereafter, the Prime Minister drove to the saluting dais, just opposite to which stood a huge replica of the national emblem, lion capitol of Sarnath.
The President arrived in a majestic style escorted by his 46 Ceremonial Bodyguards riding tall and elegant horses. Kalam was accompanied by Brazilian President, the event`s chief guest.
The national tricolor was unfurled by the President amid the roar of a 21-gun salute. Four MI-17 helicopters then flew towards the saluting dais from Rashtrapati Bhawan side and went towards the India Gate showering flower petals en route.
The parade got underway with its commander Major General Thomas Mathew leading the way followed by deputy parade commander Brigadier S P Rai.
Ten of the bravest of the brave soldiers -- four Param Vir Chakra awardees, five Ashok Chakra awardees and one Vir Chakra Awardee -- then passed by the saluting dais instilling confidence that national security was in safe hands with gallant men around.
With the tune of Cavalry Brigade, the mounted column of the only surviving horse unit 61 Cavalry in their former Gwalior Lancers dress then rode past the saluting dais in their inimitable style.
Following it was a mounted contingent of Army Service Corps (ASC), making a comeback after a two-year break.
The mechanised columns were led by the Army Aviation which unveiled three advanced light helicopters (ALH), its latest addition, flying at 150 km per hour at an altitude of 100 metres AOL (above obstruction level) in `Astern` formation.
Down below, T-90 tanks `Bhishma`, another latest induction in the Army and rated among the best in the world, rolled down the Rajpath followed by contingent of T-72 `Ajeya` tanks and main battle tank (MBT) Arjun.
A column of 155 MM Howitzer (FH-77B) gun system, the mainstay of the Army`s might, was the next to pass by amid cheers from spectators.
Following it was indigenously-developed surface-to-surface Prithvi missile which is capable of striking terror at the heart of the enemy by its long reach and destruction capability.
The nation`s pride Agni-II, whose induction recently was a concrete step towards raising the status of military power, passed by highlighting deterrence capability.
Tunguska air defence weapons system, having unique capabilities of missiles and guns on a moving platform, improved reporter radar mounted on Tatra, and mine plough fitted engineer recce vehicle followed suit.
Transportable satellite communication vehicle and fast-moving combat vehicle `Windy-505`, laced with modern weapons and navigational surveillance systems, rolled down for the first time and were followed by infantry combat vehicles.
The marching contingents were led by a unit of Bombay Engineer Group popularly called `Bombay Sappers`.
The contingent was followed by the band of the Bombay Engineer Group and Armoured Corps School and Centre.
Then came the marching columns of Madras Regiment, the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, the band of Artillery Centre, Nasik, and Rajput Regimental Centre, the Rajput Regiment, the Sikh Light Infantry, the band of Sikh LI, the Garhwal Rifles, Kumaon Regiment and the band of Kumaon Regiment and Air Defence artillery.
This was followed by contingents of Assam Regiment, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, the band of J and K Rifles, the Gorkha Rifles, the Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), the band of ASC and the Rajputana Rifles.
The Navy paraded its brass band, a marching squad and two tableaux displaying its frontline ships INS Delhi and INS Talwar and Alize, Seahawk, ALH and KA-31 aircraft.
The Air Force was led by its band which was followed by its marching contingent.
One MI-26, two MI-17 and two MI-35 helicopters then flew in `arrowhead` formation while the vehicular columns down below displayed Lakshya pilotless target aircraft, OSA AK-M combat vehicles and Indra-Ii radar.
DRDO displayed its Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, Samyukta Com segment, Agni-I short-range surface-to-surface missiles, Akash surface-to-air medium range missile and Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.
This was followed by the marching and band contingents of BSF, Assam Rifles, Coast Guard, CRPF, Rapid Action Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Special Service Bureau, Central Industrial Security Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police and Home Guard.
A contingent of Delhi Fire Service showcased its disaster management equipment. This was followed by the units of NCC boys and girls, national service scheme and massed band.
The cultural section included the tableaux of Kerala showing legendary folk art form Teyyam, Maharashtra showing Ajanta cave paintings, Chhattisgarh (Dussehra festival of Bastar), Delhi (Amir Khusro), Lakshadweep (environment and coconut), Gujarat (vibrant Gujarat) and Assam (folk toys).
The tableaux of Himachal Pradesh showcased rock cut temple complex (Masroor), Nagaland (hornbill festival), Bihar (Aryabhatta), J and K (folk dances), Punjab (Sammi folk dance), Goa (musical heritage), Uttar Pradesh (Banarasi sari and embroidery), Madhya Pradesh (Kalidas Ujjaini), Meghalaya (living bridge) and Orissa (rath yatra).
The tableaux of various ministries and departments included those from power, HRD, tourism, railways, youth affairs and sports, rural development, health and family welfare, agro and rural industries, justice and CPWD.
This year`s 26 child bravery award winners -- nine girls and 17 boys -- riding on caparisoned elephants then rode past the saluting dais amid all round cheers.
Children`s pageants and cultural programmes were next in line to delight the audience.
BSF motorcycle riders `Janbaz` then displayed breathtaking stunts holding the spectators spellbound.
Curtains on the more than two-hour programme were brought by a dazzling flypast by 16 aircraft of Air Force, including IL-76, AN-32, Dornier and `air-to-air’ refuelling of two Sukhoi-30 MKIs by an IL-78 plane at a speed of 510 km per hour.
Bureau Report
With security forces on maximum alert, the parade led by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Delhi area Major General Thomas Mathew unveiled virtually the entire armoury of the Army, Navy and Air Force to instill a sense of confidence and security among the countrymen.
These included the latest acquisitions like Agni-II long-range missiles, fast-moving attack vehicle Windy-505, pilotless target aircraft (PTA), advance light helicopters (ALH) and transportable satellite terminal.
The event featured two mounted columns, 13 mechanised columns and 18 marching squads of the Army, three contingents each of the Navy and Air Force, besides 23 marching contingents from para-military and police forces.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its advancement in the defence field through six tableaux, which moved along with 29 cultural tableaux from various states and Central ministries.
The programme began with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee leading the nation in paying tributes to martyred soldiers by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. The buglers sounded the `last post` and a two-minute silence was observed.
Thereafter, the Prime Minister drove to the saluting dais, just opposite to which stood a huge replica of the national emblem, lion capitol of Sarnath.
The President arrived in a majestic style escorted by his 46 Ceremonial Bodyguards riding tall and elegant horses. Kalam was accompanied by Brazilian President, the event`s chief guest.
The national tricolor was unfurled by the President amid the roar of a 21-gun salute. Four MI-17 helicopters then flew towards the saluting dais from Rashtrapati Bhawan side and went towards the India Gate showering flower petals en route.
The parade got underway with its commander Major General Thomas Mathew leading the way followed by deputy parade commander Brigadier S P Rai.
Ten of the bravest of the brave soldiers -- four Param Vir Chakra awardees, five Ashok Chakra awardees and one Vir Chakra Awardee -- then passed by the saluting dais instilling confidence that national security was in safe hands with gallant men around.
With the tune of Cavalry Brigade, the mounted column of the only surviving horse unit 61 Cavalry in their former Gwalior Lancers dress then rode past the saluting dais in their inimitable style.
Following it was a mounted contingent of Army Service Corps (ASC), making a comeback after a two-year break.
The mechanised columns were led by the Army Aviation which unveiled three advanced light helicopters (ALH), its latest addition, flying at 150 km per hour at an altitude of 100 metres AOL (above obstruction level) in `Astern` formation.
Down below, T-90 tanks `Bhishma`, another latest induction in the Army and rated among the best in the world, rolled down the Rajpath followed by contingent of T-72 `Ajeya` tanks and main battle tank (MBT) Arjun.
A column of 155 MM Howitzer (FH-77B) gun system, the mainstay of the Army`s might, was the next to pass by amid cheers from spectators.
Following it was indigenously-developed surface-to-surface Prithvi missile which is capable of striking terror at the heart of the enemy by its long reach and destruction capability.
The nation`s pride Agni-II, whose induction recently was a concrete step towards raising the status of military power, passed by highlighting deterrence capability.
Tunguska air defence weapons system, having unique capabilities of missiles and guns on a moving platform, improved reporter radar mounted on Tatra, and mine plough fitted engineer recce vehicle followed suit.
Transportable satellite communication vehicle and fast-moving combat vehicle `Windy-505`, laced with modern weapons and navigational surveillance systems, rolled down for the first time and were followed by infantry combat vehicles.
The marching contingents were led by a unit of Bombay Engineer Group popularly called `Bombay Sappers`.
The contingent was followed by the band of the Bombay Engineer Group and Armoured Corps School and Centre.
Then came the marching columns of Madras Regiment, the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, the band of Artillery Centre, Nasik, and Rajput Regimental Centre, the Rajput Regiment, the Sikh Light Infantry, the band of Sikh LI, the Garhwal Rifles, Kumaon Regiment and the band of Kumaon Regiment and Air Defence artillery.
This was followed by contingents of Assam Regiment, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, the band of J and K Rifles, the Gorkha Rifles, the Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army), the band of ASC and the Rajputana Rifles.
The Navy paraded its brass band, a marching squad and two tableaux displaying its frontline ships INS Delhi and INS Talwar and Alize, Seahawk, ALH and KA-31 aircraft.
The Air Force was led by its band which was followed by its marching contingent.
One MI-26, two MI-17 and two MI-35 helicopters then flew in `arrowhead` formation while the vehicular columns down below displayed Lakshya pilotless target aircraft, OSA AK-M combat vehicles and Indra-Ii radar.
DRDO displayed its Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, Samyukta Com segment, Agni-I short-range surface-to-surface missiles, Akash surface-to-air medium range missile and Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.
This was followed by the marching and band contingents of BSF, Assam Rifles, Coast Guard, CRPF, Rapid Action Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Special Service Bureau, Central Industrial Security Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police and Home Guard.
A contingent of Delhi Fire Service showcased its disaster management equipment. This was followed by the units of NCC boys and girls, national service scheme and massed band.
The cultural section included the tableaux of Kerala showing legendary folk art form Teyyam, Maharashtra showing Ajanta cave paintings, Chhattisgarh (Dussehra festival of Bastar), Delhi (Amir Khusro), Lakshadweep (environment and coconut), Gujarat (vibrant Gujarat) and Assam (folk toys).
The tableaux of Himachal Pradesh showcased rock cut temple complex (Masroor), Nagaland (hornbill festival), Bihar (Aryabhatta), J and K (folk dances), Punjab (Sammi folk dance), Goa (musical heritage), Uttar Pradesh (Banarasi sari and embroidery), Madhya Pradesh (Kalidas Ujjaini), Meghalaya (living bridge) and Orissa (rath yatra).
The tableaux of various ministries and departments included those from power, HRD, tourism, railways, youth affairs and sports, rural development, health and family welfare, agro and rural industries, justice and CPWD.
This year`s 26 child bravery award winners -- nine girls and 17 boys -- riding on caparisoned elephants then rode past the saluting dais amid all round cheers.
Children`s pageants and cultural programmes were next in line to delight the audience.
BSF motorcycle riders `Janbaz` then displayed breathtaking stunts holding the spectators spellbound.
Curtains on the more than two-hour programme were brought by a dazzling flypast by 16 aircraft of Air Force, including IL-76, AN-32, Dornier and `air-to-air’ refuelling of two Sukhoi-30 MKIs by an IL-78 plane at a speed of 510 km per hour.
Bureau Report