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Republic Day 2018: Bike stunts, tanks, fighter jets, thrill R-Day viewers from across the country

In a first, heads of 10 Asean nations attend the Republic Day Parade as chief guests; India wows with a no-holds-barred gala

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At the 69th Republic Day parade that was held at Rajpath on Friday, India showcased its strength and honoured the valour of its forces as leaders of 10 ASEAN nations attended the event as chief guests. While the highlight was the female BSF officers and their stunts on motorcycles, also on display were the first ever AIR tableau and the civilians who won gallantry awards. Later, PM Modi signed the register at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in honour of the nation’s slain soldiers before heading off to Rashtrapati Bhavan for the At Home
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When Su-30 fighter jet zoomed over Rajpath performing stunts during the fly past by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Republic Day parade on Friday, Baijnath Sahni, who had reached the national capital after a 17-hour-long train journey from a non-discript town of Bihar, could not contain his excitement.

Sahni was among the thousands of people who had gathered to attend the 69th Republic Day celebrations at the national capital on Friday. "I came here straight from the railway station at 3 am to grab a seat with a better view. I am visiting Delhi after 20 years just to witness this," he said.

As the Rudra formation, including three-weapon system integrated choppers, reached the ears of the spectators, Sahni jumped from his chair with joy. "We can't even imagine the hard work they have done to perform something as magical as this," says Sahni, who worked as a daily-wager in Delhi years ago.

Sitting nearby, an equally excited Lila Yadav, 50, said that she has travelled from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to watch the parade for the first time. "I always wanted to watch the parade live, but never got a chance. Luckily, this time, my son, who has recently been appointed as a constable in BSF, brought me along," she said.

A few metres away, 20-year-old Pooja Meghwati, was left enchanted after a women contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) performed motorcycle stunts."I have been visiting the parade since the last four years with only one dream — to see myself performing like them," she says. Meghwati wants to join the BSF.

Even though most of the people had come to witness the valour of Armed Forces and the cultural performances, there were some who just wanted to catch a glance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I have come here from Jhansi just to see him once. I am a huge fan," says Jitendra Singh, a student.

However, the carnival-like event, which was house full even on a densely foggy day received some criticism over the arrangements done specifically for the VIPs. "All the cultural performances were meant for VIPs. We didn't even get a glance," rues Hasnain, who had come all the way from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad to watch the parade.

AROUND THE GLOBE

  • Indian high commissioner to the UK, YK Sinha, unfurled the tricolour in Gandhi Hall of India House and read Prez Kovind’s speech
     
  • In S’pore, over 600 Indians joined acting High Commissioner Ninad Deshpande for celebrations
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