The Nation is celebrating its 70th Republic Day today. The main function was organized at Rajpath in the National Capital. President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the parade and the flypast. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the Chief Guest at the Parade this year.

The Republic Day Parade Ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. As per the tradition, after unfurling of the National Flag by the President, the national anthem was played with a 21 gun salute.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani of Jammu and Kashmir was posthumously conferred with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award,  by  President Kovind. The award was received by his Mother and Wife.

The parade started from Vijay Chowk and proceeded towards the Red Fort grounds. The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area.

The winners of the highest gallantry awards followed him. They include the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, Border Security Force Camel Contingent, National Cadet Corps Boys and Girls Contingent and National Service Scheme Marching Contingent participated in the parade.

This year veterans of Indian National Army who fought valiantly against the imperial forces also took part in Republic Day Parade. Our correspondent reports that this year, the Republic Day celebration marks the 150th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, the theme of tableaux was Gandhi.

AIR correspondent reports that the country’s military prowess, state-of-the-art defence platforms, and diverse culture was on full display at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in Delhi.

For the first time, all women marching contingent of the Assam Rifles took part in the parade. Twenty-six children who have been awarded  Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar this year also graced the occasion. Twenty-two tableaux, from 16 States and Union Territories and six Ministries and Departments depicted the life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Tableau of Ministry of Drinking water and sanitation demonstrated a four year journey of Swachh Bharat Mission. Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate,  K-9 Vajra-T, Ultra Light Howitzer and  Akash weapon system were the main draws at prade.

The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force. The flypast  commenced with the ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of colour ful balloon.