This year's Republic Day will go down in history for many firsts, from the participation of Indian National Army (INA) veterans to first-time women leading all men contingent to biofuel being used by aircraft.
This year's Republic Day will go down in history for many firsts, from the participation of Indian National Army (INA) veterans to first-time women leading all men contingent to biofuel being used by aircraft.
The 90-minute parade that will start at 10 am on January 26 will have South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the chief guest.
Here are some firsts for the Republic Day parade this year:
Participation of INA veterans:
For the first time, 4 INA veterans will be participating aged between 98 to 100 years.
Speaking to WION, Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area and Deputy Parade Commander said, "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 living in Manesar; and Parmanand Yadav, 95 from Chandigarh. It is a matter of honour. It's a great honour for the country that we have INA veterans participating."
Biofuel for AN32 aircraft:
This will also be the first time when biofuel extracted from Jatropha plant is to be used as a fuel in AN32 aircraft which will be taking part in the Republic Day parade.
Major General Punia explained, "We are trying to extract oil for a number of years from it. We are even thinking that it will be replacing fossil fuel in the coming years. Jatropha oil is being used by AN32 to fly. You can imagine if an aircraft can fly on biofuel it also means self-sufficiency for the country."
Shankhnaad: Martial tune from Indian Classical Music
Shankhnaad, a martial tune created for the Indian Armed forces will be played at the Republic Day parade for the first time. This is the first original martial tune of independent India based on Indian classical music and the composition of the tune is the combination of 3 classical ragas-- Raag Bilaskhani Todi, Raag Bhairavi, Raag Kirvani. The tune is composed by Dr Tanuja Nafde, a professor, based on a poem written by Brig Vivek Sohal. It was accepted as official martial tune in December 2017. It was played by 14 military bands together for the first time during the Army day parade held on 15th January 2019.
Women power at Rajpath
Women participation will be highest ever at Republic Day parade this year, with Lt Bhavana Kasturi, Contingent commander, Army Service Corps (ASC) becoming the first ever women to lead all men army contingent.
Speaking to WION, Lt Bhavana Kasturi said, "It's a matter of great pride and honour to me and it's a glory for us. This will be part of the history of Army Service Corps that our contingent is a part of Rajpath parade on Republic Day 2019. Not just me, 2 of our JCOs and 144 jawans in the contingent feel privileged. We will be in the books of history forever."
Major Khushboo Kanwar of Assam rifles will be the 1st women to lead all women army contingent. Capt Shikha Surabhi, a daredevil lady officer, would perform stunts during the display. Capt Bhavna Syal and Lt Ambika Sudhakaran will be other women officers playing an important role at the parade at Rajpath.
22 Tableaux of various states and departments with the theme --150 years of Mahatma Gandhi will add colour to the parade and be the main attraction for many.
India will be displaying its military might with the display of latest weapons like M-77 A2 Ultra light Howitzer (ULH) procured from the United States, K9 Vajra T which is a self propelled artillery gun made under "Make in India" programme and 2 projects of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) -- Medium range surface to air missile, Arjun armoured Rec and Repair Vehicle. 16 marching contingents from Armed forces, Para Mil forces, Delhi police, NCC, NSS along with 16 bands will be participating.
The Indian Army will be represented by mounted columns of 61 cavalry, 8 mechanised columns, 6 marching contingents and a flypast by Rudra and Dhruv Advanced light Helicopters of army aviation.
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