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India
celebrates 60th Republic Day with fervour
New Delhi:
Citizens across India celebrated the the country's 60th
Republic Day on Monday, even as the nation's military
might was on full display at a magnificent annual parade
along New Delhi's majestic Raj Path. The event, showcasing
gallantry, tradition and the joy of every Indian citizen,
was perfo- rmed before President Pratibha Devisingh Patil,
Chief Guest and President of Kazakhstan Nursu- ltan Nazarbayev
and a host of other dignitaries from all walks of life.
With Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh recuperating at
the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after undergoing
a major by-pass heart surgery on Saturday, Union Defense
Minister AK Antony was accorded the privilege of performing
the customary duties on the PM's behalf during the Republic
Day ceremony.
In
the morning, Antony and the three service chiefs - Admiral
Sureesh Mehta, General Deepak Kapoor and Air Chief Marshal
Fali Homi Major -- of the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force
respectively -- laid wreaths at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti',
the British-era World War-I memorial at India Gate, where
an eternal flame burns in memory of those martyrs who
laid down their lives for the glory of the nation. Minutes
before the parade began, President Pratibha Devisingh
Patil and chief guest Kazakhastan President Nursultan
Nazarbayev were escorted up to podium by the President's
Body Guards (PBG), the oldest army unit, riding on bedecked
horses. Antony received Patil and President Nazarbayev
at the saluting dais in the absence of the Prime Minister.
President Patil and guests witnessed the unfurling of
the tricolour, which was followed by the national anthem-Jan
Gana Mana.....by military bands and the traditional 21-gun
salute by 299 Field Regiment.
Following
this, the parade began, as four Mi-17 helicopters of the
Indian Air Force flew past with the national flag as well
as those of the three defence services slinging below.
The first to appear in the parade were winners of the
Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra followed by mounted
columns of the 61st Cavalry by Lieutenant Colonel Navjit
Singh Sandhu. President Patil took the salute of marching
contingents during the parade. Major General K.J.S Oberoi,
General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area of the Army,
led the parade. The Army then showcased its impressive
armoury before the nation, including frontline T-90S battle
tanks, indigenous Brahmos missile, OSA-AK system, the
most modern and versatile air defence weapon. The parade
won everyone's applaud as the armed forces in battle regalia
proudly marched before their supreme commander. A scintillating
show of air-power, fascinating tableaux depicting the
diverse culture of India and hundreds of colourfully-dressed
dancing school children were part of the parade. Earlier,
a massive ground-to-air security apparatus was put in
place in the national capital to prevent any untoward
terror incident. Intelligence agencies had warned of a
possible terrorist strike. Snipers of the National Security
Guards (NSG) were deployed at all high-rises all along
the parade route. Maharashtra Police ATS chief Hemant
Karkare, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte and four
others killed fighting Pakistani terrorists in Mumbai
were among nine security personnel who received the Ashok
Chakra, the country's highest peace-time gallantry medal.
The list of distinguished guests in VVIP gallery watching
the parade included Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson
Sonia Gandhi and members of her family, Cabinet Ministers
and others. A large enthusiastic crowd lined both sides
of the parade route and cheered lustily throughout the
event.
-
Jan 26, 2009
