Yes, we do understand that you ended up partying late last night, your cat felt sick yesterday or you simply wanted to add credit to your sleep bank, after all it was a National holiday and who can resist spending a Monday morning cozily in a warm blanket till Noon sets in. But, with everybody going to unleash a spurt of analysis about Republic Day celebrations tomorrow at your workplace, you sure wouldn’t like to miss out. So, worry not, we have got you covered.
Presenting a gist of memorable moments at the 66th Republic Day celebrations:-
- It was chilly winter morning in New Delhi with intermittent drizzling and the weather seemed set to play a spoilsport. Umbrellas and raincoats were the only life-savior. But it was the indomitable spirit of all the stakeholders the army contingent parading immaculately, the cheering crowd, the schoolchildren who danced to the tunes of contemporary folk with zeal and even our Chief Guest Mr. Barack Obama who was seen smiling at the Press whilst holding an umbrella. As they say the show must go on.
Source- Google images
Source- in.reuters.com
- Obama broke protocol and came in his ‘Beast’ accompanied by the First Lady of United States, Mrs. Michelle Obama (Usually the Chief Guest accompanies his host, the India President in his vehicle). Mr. Pranab Mukherjee arrived shortly after.
Source- Google images
- Naik Neeraj Kumar and Major Mukand Vaardarajan were awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously for they died a valiant death battling terrorists on J&K borders.
- Twenty four children have been awarded the National Bravery Awards, out of which four child have been awarded posthumously. The National Bravery Award Scheme is an endeavour by the Indian Council for Child Welfare to give due recognition to the children who show exemplary courage and perform meritorious service to inspire others to emulate their example.
Source- TOIBLOGSPOT
- The theme of 66th Republic Day was ‘Naari Shakti’, though women military personnel have always taken up part in R-Day parade, this year for the very first time an all women contingent from the Army, Navy and the Air force took part in the immaculate march past.
Captain Divya A. leads the first all-women march by a contingent of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Picture Courtesy: DoorDarshan
- Colorful floats of Indian States showcasing folk culture, art forms famous items of export belonging from certain State, popular pilgrimage sites etc. rolled in. Telangana makes its debut with a multi-hued tableaux with the theme “Bonaalu” – the illustrious state festival celebrated to worship Mahakali Goddess.
Source- Google images
- Prime Ministers Narendra Modi’s pet projects like ‘Make in India’ aimed at promoting manufacturing sector, Jan Dhan Yojna for financial inclusion of all, ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme for saving and educating the girl child, ‘Save Ganga’ project for saving river Ganga from pollution and promotion of alternative medicine system besides introduction of bullet trains were presented in the tableaux form.
Department of Industrial Production and Promotion had a tableau on Make in India
Source- DoorDarshan
Source- DoorDarshan
- Showcasing the Indian military might was the indigeneous equipment developed by DRDO including the three dimensional tactical control radar, Light Carrier Aircraft (LCA) Tejas that had been under development since 1983.
Source- DoorDarshan
Source- DoorDarshan
LCA Tejas is India’s first indigenously developed LCA.
- The parade included exhibition of two major Indian acquisitions from the US—the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and the C-17 Globemaster III transport planes. Both were exhibited alongside Russian-manufactured T-90 battle tank and the MiG-29K.
C-130J Hercules made its debut on 66th R-Day
Source- Google images
- The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF, the Mi-25 attack helicopter participating for the first time. After this came the adrenaline sparking fighter jets, with five Jaguars flying in Arrowhead formation, followed by five MiG-29s flying in Fulcrum formation. The parade concluded with the breathtaking Trishul formation as three Sukhoi Su-30 MKI performed the daring Vertical Charlie manoeuvre in front of the Saluting Base.
This is a compilation of the moments I felt were truly memorable. Please feel free to mention in the comments below if I missed your favorite part. I’ll be grateful to make the necessary edit.
By Shriya Dargan
