Parade to mark 60 proud years of India as republic

NEW DELHI - As India celebrates 60 years of its founding as a republic Tuesday, the world’s largest democracy will yet again mark a proud moment in time by showcasing its military might and splendid cultural diversity on the magnificent Rajpath boulevard in the heart of the capital.

The Republic Day parade - an over one-hour event that begins at presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan and ends at Red Fort in the old city eight kilometres away - is a colourful coming together of all that is traditional, modern and essentially Indian, and will be witnessed by top dignitaries from the country and abroad as well as tens of thousands of enthusiastic commoners, amid heightened security.

It will be a grand reminder of the day when, after many years of British colonial rule, India adopted its own constitution and vested all power in its people.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who arrived Sunday afternoon on a four-day state visit, will be the chief guest at this Republic Day function.

Battle-hardened or a product of cutting edge new technology, the finest of India’s military hardware will be on display. Tanks, missiles, choppers, ships and aircraft rumble down from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort.

As the commander of the armed forces, President Pratibha Patil will take the salute at Rajpath. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will also be present.

Matching shoulder to shoulder and feet to feet will be marching columns of the army, navy and air force and even a spectacular Border Security Force (BSF) contingent, boasting of the only camel-mounted music band in the world.

A major highlight of this year’s Republic Day parade would be the showcasing of the Indian Army’s Arjun tanks and the ambulance-tracked vehicles. The fly-past by aircraft and helicopters of the air force is also a sight to behold.

With the event being telecast live, people across the country will get a glimpse of young bravehearts - 21 of them - who have been awarded the national bravery awards this year for the exemplary courage and heroic deeds.

A much looked forward to section of the event are the colourful tableaus. There will be 21 of them, portraying new concepts and traditions like the dabbawalas of Mumbai on the Maharashtra float and the Maha Kumbh Mela on that of Uttarakhand.

Thirteen of the tableaus will be from the states and eight from various central government ministries and departments.

With all the frenzied preparations for the Commonwealth Games in October this year, it’s of little surprise that Shera - the mascot of the Games - will be a highlight.

Enveloping the colourful event will be multi-layered security. About 15,000 security personnel will be deployed along the parade route.

Air force helicopters will patrol the skies and along the parade route while anti-aircraft guns, sharpshooters of National Security Guard and Delhi Police commandos keep a close watch.

“Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings near the venue and a total of 105 CCTVs will keep an eye on people’s movement between Rajpath and Red Fort,” said Ajay Chadha, special commissioner in the Delhi Traffic Police.

Vehicular movement on all roads leading to the India Gate monument will be regulated in the morning of Republic Day. Delhi’s borders will be sealed Monday at 11 p.m. till Tuesday 12 noon.

With the day being a national holiday, millions across India and outside will witness the spectacular parade on TV in the comfort of their homes and, like those who witness the event first hand, feel their hearts swell with pride.