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R-Day
showcases cultural heritage
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A
tableau from Assam at the parade
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New Delhi:
The 60th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2009 showcased
India's rich and diverse cultural heritage, even as it
highlighted the nation’s achievements in various fields
like military prowess. Tableaux from 12 states and six
Central ministries and departments presented the diverse
historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the
country. The Armed Forces showcased the Bhishma T-90 tank,
BrahMos missile, OSA-AK Weapon System, T-72 tanks, Network
Operation Centre, ICV BMP-II Sarath, Takshak Striker,
Advanced Light Helicopter- Dhruv etc.
The Republic
Day celebrations commenced at India Gate where the Defence
Minister A K Antony led the nation in paying homage to
the martyrs by laying wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti. An eternal
flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the
indomitable courage of the Armed Forces personnel who
have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the
nation. The Amar Jawan, the immortal soldier, is symbolised
by a reversed rifle topped by a helmet. As per tradition,
after unfurling of the National Flag, the National Anthem
was played. Thereafter President Pratibha Devisingh Patil
confered Ashok Chakra posthumously on 11
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A
display of military prowess
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gallant soldiers. The parade commenced and
the President Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil took the salute.
This year’s chief guest in the parade was President of
Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev.
The parade was commanded by Major General K J S Oberoi,
General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. The marching contingents
of the Army were from the Parachute Regiment, Rajput Regiment,
Kumaon Regiment, Garhwal Rifles, Maratha Light Infantry
Regiment, Territorial Army Punjab, J&K Rifles and Ladakh
Scouts. The marching contingents of para-military and
other auxiliary civil forces included contingents from
Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, Coast Guard, Central
Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central
Industrial Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Railway
Protection Force, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and
National Service Scheme. The camel mounted band and contingent
of the BSF also participated.
Nineteen of
the 20 children selected for the National Bravery Award
– 2008 also participated in the parade riding on open
jeeps. One has got the award posthumously. In the children’s
pageant section, children from Remal Public Senior Secondary
School, Rohini, Delhi and North-East Zone cultural centre,
Dimapur participated. The motorcycle display team of the
Corps of Signals, popularly known as Dare Devils will
be a major attraction of the parade. Capt. Jitender Siwach
led the team. They performed breathtaking stunts in a
synchronised and synergistic display of mind, body and
machine coordination.
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Two
Sukhois being refueled mid-air
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The grand finale
of the parade was a spectacular IAF’s flypast led by Mi-35
helicopters in Chakra formation which was followed by
an IL-76, two AN-32 and two Dorniers in big boy formation
led by Wg. Cdr. J Narula. After the Big Boy Formation
one IL78 led by Wg Cdr N R Kharkar displayed tanker formation.
Thereafter 5 Jaguars led by Wg Cdr Maluk Singh came in
Arrow Head Formation which was followed by the BAAZ formation
of 5 MIG-29 aircrafts. The breath taking Trishul formation
comprising three SU-30 MKI speeded down the Rajpath and
once in front of the dias, the SU-30MKI aircraft in the
centre carried out a vertical Charlie manoeuvre. The ceremony
culminated with the National Anthem and release of balloons.
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Jan 26, 2009
