OPERA IN THE SKY
Tight security measures were put in place across the country for Republic Day celebrations This year the duration of the parade was cut from around two hours to 90 minutes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with French President Francois Hollande watch the flypast during the 67th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Tuesday. The PM was seen explaining things to Mr Hollande on several occasions. The duration of the parade was cut from more than two hours to 90 minutes. This was the first time a foreign military contingent marched during the celebrations. After a gap of 26 years, 36 Indian canine dogs marched during the parade. They were chosen from about 1,200 dogs of the Indian Army.
India’s military prowess and multi-hued images of the country’s rich cultural diversity and achievements in various fields were on display at the majestic Rajpath on Tuesday during 67th Republic Day parade which was graced by French President Francois Hollande as the chief guest.
Thousands of people on both sides of the imposing Rajpath, India’s ceremonial boulevard facing the seat of power Raisina Hills, braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the marching contingents and tableux went past them.
The national capital, particularly the Central and New Delhi areas, were brought under unprecedented security blanket as thousands of personnel kept a hawkeye vigil to thwart any untoward incident.
There were Intelligence inputs that terror groups may target some important installations in the city.
Hollande was seated between President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wore a marigold coloured ‘safa’ (turban).
Mr Modi was seen explaining things to Hollande on several occasions during the one-anda-half-hour-long event.
This year the duration of the parade has been curtailed from more than two hours to 90 minutes.
A French military contingent also marched down the Rajpath, a first by any foreign armed force. In 2009, an Indian contingent had also participated in France’s annual Bastille Day parade.
Apart from India’s missile firing capability T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, Smerch Launcher Vehicles, the highlights of the parade also included a canine squad.