NEW DELHI - Multi-hued images of India’s rich cultural heritage, its achievements in diverse fields and military prowess were on majestic display at the magnificent Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard, in New Delhi on Jan.26 as the nation celebrated its 65th Republic Day amid tight security. Marching down from the seat of power at Raisina Hills to Red Fort, the parade showcased India’s ‘unity in diversity’ and...
defense capability as thousands of spectators along the 8-km-long route cheered the contingents and the mechanised columns and President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Pranab Mukherjee took the salute.
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There were apprehensions that the uncertain weather might force the cancellation or curtailment of the flypast that concludes the event but the mist lifted almost at the last minute.
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It was the coldest Republic Day in a decade at a minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius, forcing spectators - commoners and dignitaries alike - to swathe themselves in layers of protective clothing.
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The march past was watched by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the chief guest of the Republic Day celebration, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the country’s top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community.
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Minutes before the parade began, the Prime Minister, Defense Minister AK Antony and chiefs of army, navy and air force laid wreaths at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’, the war memorial at the India Gate where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who laid down their lives defending the nation.
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A massive ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the national capital to ensure an incident-free Republic Day celebrations. Snipers of National Security Guard were deployed at all high-rises along the parade route. Around 25,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while the commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Delhi Police kept vigil at important locations.
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Sub Inspector K Prasad Babu of Andhra Pradesh’s counter-Maoist force was posthumously conferred the highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra. Babu was honoured for an anti-Naxal operation near the Andhra-Chhattisgarh border.
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A main attraction of the parade were the fascinating tableaux depicting the diverse culture and dance by colorfully dressed schoolchildren.
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There were apprehensions that the uncertain weather might force the cancellation or curtailment of the flypast that concludes the event but the mist lifted almost at the last minute.
**********
It was the coldest Republic Day in a decade at a minimum of 9.9 degrees Celsius, forcing spectators - commoners and dignitaries alike - to swathe themselves in layers of protective clothing.
**********
The march past was watched by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the chief guest of the Republic Day celebration, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the country’s top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community.
**********
Minutes before the parade began, the Prime Minister, Defense Minister AK Antony and chiefs of army, navy and air force laid wreaths at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’, the war memorial at the India Gate where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who laid down their lives defending the nation.
**********
A massive ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the national capital to ensure an incident-free Republic Day celebrations. Snipers of National Security Guard were deployed at all high-rises along the parade route. Around 25,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while the commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Delhi Police kept vigil at important locations.
**********
Sub Inspector K Prasad Babu of Andhra Pradesh’s counter-Maoist force was posthumously conferred the highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra. Babu was honoured for an anti-Naxal operation near the Andhra-Chhattisgarh border.
**********
A main attraction of the parade were the fascinating tableaux depicting the diverse culture and dance by colorfully dressed schoolchildren.
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