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News Topical, Digital Desk : On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day parade on Monday, the path of duty witnessed a beautiful glimpse of the country's progress, culture and strategic strength. Where all the three armies, in their own style, brought alive the valour of Operation Sindoor through Sindoor formation. Though the main theme of the Republic Day parade this time was centered on the 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram', but undoubtedly, the glimpses of the war skills of all the three armies related to Operation Sindoor dominated the parade.
The Army and Navy personnel, in their own style, while the Indian Air Force fighter jets flew in a special Sindoor formation during the flypast, adding a touch of glorious excitement to the path of duty. Amidst the glorious moments of the nation's strategic might, colourful tableaux of the states spread the beautiful colours of India's rich cultural diversity and unity in diversity on the path of duty.
Beginning with a 21-gun salute
The unique confluence of strategic power and cultural splendor was enjoyed not only by thousands of spectators present on the Line of Duty but also by the chief guests of the Republic Day parade, the foreign guests, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Union President Antonio Costa. The Republic Day parade began with the hoisting of the tricolor on the Line of Duty and a 21-gun salute to the national flag.
The salute was given by indigenous 105 mm light field guns accompanied by the national anthem. Following this, 100 cultural artistes commenced the parade by displaying the theme 'Unity in Diversity'. While four Army MI-17 helicopters in flag formation showered flower petals on the parade path. The military parade commenced with the parade commander, Lieutenant General Bhavneesh Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, saluting President Draupadi Murmu.
PM Modi paid tribute
This first Republic Day celebration formally began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the memory of the martyred soldiers at the National War Memorial. The PM then proceeded to the Line of Duty, where he was received by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three armed forces. President Modi arrived at the Line of Duty in a royal carriage, accompanied by Ursula and Costa, the two foreign guests of the parade.
After the salute by the parade commander and Paramvir Chakra awardees, contingents from the three services and paramilitary forces marched past. This was the first Republic Day celebration after Operation Sindoor and hence, for the first time, the military resources of the services were seen on duty in a realistic war-like sequence. Starting with reconnaissance aircraft, then other military units like logistics and the soldiers accompanying these platforms, dressed in battle gear, marched past.
missile demonstration
The Army's Integrated Operations Centre was displayed in a glass box, depicting the conduct of Operation Sindoor, using missile weapon systems like the BrahMos and S-400. The Army's phased 'Battle Array Format', which included air strikes, was also showcased for the first time. The reconnaissance team included the 61st Cavalry in active combat uniform and a High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle.
For air support, the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armored version, the Rudra, formed a Prahar formation, demonstrating the battlefield landscape. The attack T-90 Bhishma tank and Arjun Main Battle Tank also made their presence felt, while the Army's Apache and Prachanda helicopters also provided air support.
A glimpse of the might of INS Udayagiri
The fusion of the Nag missile system with the Infantry Combat Vehicle was also part of it. Major weapon systems including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Akash missile, which proved to be the most lethal weapons in Operation Sindoor, added to the excitement of the parade. The Navy's tableau 'A Strong Navy for a Strong Nation' showcased the might of the frontline aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri along with its ships and submarines.
Meanwhile, in sync with the march past of the Indian Air Force contingent, two Rafale jets, two MiG-29s, two Sukhoi-30s and a Jaguar aircraft performed a thrilling fly-past in the 'Spearhead' formation, symbolizing the 'Sindoor Formation'. These panoramic views of culture and military might constantly enthralled Ursula and Costa, and they were constantly seen satisfying their curiosity by seeking information from PM Modi and the deployed officer.
Nitin Naveen was sitting in the first row
Among the special guests, BJP's new national president Nitin Naveen was seated in the front row along with several central ministers, while the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was seen sitting in the back row. The excitement of 30 tableaux depicting cultural diversity and progress along with Vande Mataram, which were from 17 states and 13 different ministries, had not yet subsided when separate motorcycle riding contingents of male and female jawans of central paramilitary forces like CRPF and SSB and a joint 'Daredevils' team mesmerized the audience with their breathtaking stunts.
Finally, the feeling of pride and excitement in the line of duty was elevated to its zenith with an aerial fly-past by 29 Air Force aircraft. This included 16 fighter aircraft, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters including Rafale, Sukhoi-30, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft along with C-130 and C-295 transport aircraft and P-8I aircraft of the Indian Navy.
These fighter jets, in their Arjun, Vajrang, Varun and Vijay formations, presented a spectacular display of combat prowess by roaring in the sky. After the Republic Day celebrations concluded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a pink turban on his head, walked a short distance near the spectators' gallery and greeted the people by waving his hands warmly.
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