 |
| Mechanised Infantry marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the 64th Republic Day Parade |
New Delhi: Indians across the world steeped in the spirit of patriotism
as they celebrated the Republic Day with great fervour on Saturday to mark 64
years since the establishment of the Indian constitution.
A mesmerising view of the country’s rich cultural heritage
and military expertise were on display at the Republic Day parade, presided
over by the President Pranab Mukherjee for the first time as head of state, which
last for over an hour-and-a-half, had the King of Bhutan as its chief guest.
The nation's achievements were highlighted in various fields
through its military prowess, a scintillating display of its air power and its
rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The parade ceremony commenced at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at
India Gate where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the nation in paying homage
to martyrs by laying a floral wreath.
 |
| Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee, the Chief Guest of Republic Day the King of Bhutan, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries at the Salami Manch on the occasion of the 64th Republic day celebrations at Rajpath |
With the three service chiefs in attendance, Manmohan Singh
was greeted on arrival at the World War I monument by Defence Minister AK
Antony.
The Last Post was sounded by tri-services guard of honour
and was followed by a reverse of arms and two minutes silence in honour of the
martyred defence personnel
Thereafter, the tricolour was unfurled and the national
anthem was played.
The country showed its military strength with the MBT Arjun
Tank, Armoured Ambulance Tracked Vehicle, BrahMos missiles and 214 mm Pinaka
rockets, 15 metre Sarvatra Bridging System.
General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt. General Subroto Mitra
led the synchronised military and police contingents, as they marched to the
cheerful tunes of bands through Rajpath, where President Pranab Mukherjee took
the salute for the first time after assuming office in July last year.
The highlight of this year's parade was the above 5,000 kms
range Agni-V missile.
Agni-V missile raging 5,000 km was the highlights of the
Parade.
The impressive march past was the beautiful sight of event
as it was wiutnessed by the Bhutan King, Indian Prime Minister comprising top political
and military brass.
On the vary day the capital was turned into a virtual fortress
for the Republic Day celebrations with the top class security arrangements by
police and other parliamentary forces.
After the customary 21-gun salute and unfurling of the
tricolour by President Mukherjee, the spectacle began with four Army
helicopters flying above Rajpath carrying the national flag and the three flags
of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Before heading back to the saluting base on Rajpath to
welcome Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, chief guest at the Republic
Day Parade, and other VIPs, Manmohan Singh signed the Visitor's Book.