NEW DELHI, 27 January 2007 — With a tight security cover thrown over the capital city, India celebrated its 58th Republic Day yesterday displaying its military might as well as rich cultural diversity across the country.
The parade began after President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin arrived at Rajpath escorted by president’s bodyguards riding well-trained horses. The president first unfurled the national flag, with military bands playing the national anthem, which was followed by the customary 21-gun salute.
Air force helicopters showered flower petals on the gathering. With Kalam taking salute, contingents marched down Rajpath, the road connecting Rashtrapati Bhavan and the sprawling parks of India Gate.
Winners of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest gallantry awards, were the first to appear followed by mounted columns of 61st cavalry led by Malaysian Prince Capt. Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, the first foreigner to participate in the parade.
Displaying the country’s military prowess, the army showcased T-72 tanks, Bofor guns, Pinaka multibarrel rocket launching system, tactical control radar, mobile decontamination system and Army Wide Area Network on mobile node. Indigenously built “Dhruv,” advanced light helicopter was also displayed.
Marching military contingents, accompanied by their bands, among others included the Parachute Regiment followed by Brigade of Guards- the first mechanized battalion of the army and tableau of Remount Veterinary Corps displaying the army sniffer dog contingent. India also displayed a float of military world games, with its mascot “Bravo” (the Indian bison), to be hosted later this year.
Navy personnel marched in with the tableaux displaying the recent naval acquisitions, including INS Talwar, IL-38 aircraft and Scorpene submarine linked through a network. Air warriors were accompanied by indigenously developed Indra-II radar. In addition, display of Brahmos supersonic cruise missile, unique small-sized ‘Ex Tank,’ Nag anti-tank guided missile, Akash weapon system, weapon-locating radars and a host of border surveillance equipment showcased the country’s military prowess.
