India celebrated its 70th Republic Day in a grand way on January 26, 2019
India celebrated its 70th Republic Day in a grand way on January 26, 2019, at Rajpath in New Delhi, in the presence of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest.
At the spectacular parade, one saw the country's military might, rich cultural diversity, and absolutely stunning history.
Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti, he reached Rajpath, received and greeted President Ram Nath Kovind and the chief guest.
The parade then started in the presence of presence of PM Modi, President Kovind, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the three service chiefs, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and many senior leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Deve Gowda, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Here are some of the highlights of the Republic Day Parade 2019.
1. Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary
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The theme for Republic Day 2019 celebrations this year was the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and so, tableaux of many states, themed on the preeminent leader of the Independence movement, were lined up during the parade
2. Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest
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Officials said that South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is the second after Nelson Mandela to have attended the grand event as its chief guest
3. Nari Shakti
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'Nari Shakti' (women power) was on full display on the ceremonial boulevard with an all-woman Assam Rifles contingent creating history this year by participating for the first time in the parade, which was led by Maj Khushboo Kanwar.
On the other hand, Lt Commander Ambika Sudhakaran led the naval contingent during the 70th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath
4. Showering of flower petals
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The march began with the showering of flower petals by helicopters led by the parade commander, parade second-in-command, and Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra awardees
5. T-90 tank
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The Indian Army's T-90 tank, Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-II/IIK), Surface Mine Clearing System were showcased at the event
6. K-9 Vajra
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155 mm/52 Calibre Tracked Self-propelled Gun (K-9 Vajra), Transportable Satellite Terminal, Troop Level Radar and Akash Weapon System were also showcased at the parade
7. Contingents
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The marching contingents of the Sikh Light Infantry, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Gorkha Brigade, Army Service Corps, Army Supply Corps (North), Territorial Army Battalion participated in the parade
8. Indian Navy, Air Force and Army
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The Indian Navy's brass band, marching contingent and tableau, and Air Force's band and marching contingent were also seen at the Republic Day parade
9. Para-military forces
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Para-military and other auxiliary forces also participated in the parade along National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme
10. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
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Twenty-six children who won the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar also passed through the parade in an open jeep followed by presentations by school children
11. Yoga Asanas on motorcycle
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The motorcycle display drew huge cheers as daredevils performed yoga asanas on two-wheelers
