From INA veterans to planes flying on biofuel, here is what to look for in the Republic Day Parade.
From INA veterans to women leading contingents, Republic Day 2019 will see many firsts. This time, an Antonov An-32 aircraft of the Indian Air Force will fly on biofuel. WION spoke to Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff of the HQ Delhi Area, and Deputy Parade Commander of Republic Day 2019, on what is special about this year's Republic Day Parade.
WION: What will be the focus this time?
Maj Gen Rajpal Punia: Well, this time, for the first time, Indian National Army soldiers will be participating in the parade. Besides this, we have all-women contingent, where in all the participants in the contingent will be women. It is Assam Rifles contingent that will be participating. We have four contingent commanders who are lady officers. That will also happen for the first time. Because individually, lady officers have commanded contingents, but not in such large number. We have Make in India equipment K9 Vajra. It is going to be a pride for the nation. Also, we will be using the biofuel Jatropha fuel which is made in India, and aircraft will be flying on it for the first time.
WION: How much focus will be on women power?
Maj Gen Rajpal Punia: I agree. No doubt. Women power is very powerful. This time, we have a very large number of women participating, including in motorcycle display. There is a lady officer who is commanding the motorcycle display. We have all-women contingent. Women power this time is at its maximum than in previous years.
WION: Use of the biofuel Jatropha, could you explain more?
Maj Gen Rajpal Punia: It's a plant. We have been trying to extract oil for a number of years from it. We are even thinking that it will be replacing oil in the coming years. Jatropha oil is going to be used by an An-32 to fly. You can imagine, if an aircraft can fly, then for the country, it's a self-sufficiency.
WION: Indian National Army (INA) veterans are also taking part this time?
Maj Gen Rajpal Punia: Four INA soldiers are participating. These people are - Lalti Ram, 98 years old, living in Panchkula; Hira Singh, 97, living in Narnaul; Bhagmal, 100 years old living in Manesar, and Parmanand Yadav, 95, from Chandigarh. It's a matter of honour. It's a great honour for the country that we have veterans of INA participating.
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