Showcasing India's Military Strength and Cultural Heritage at Kartavya Path

New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress)
Kartavya Path on Sunday showcased a magnificent exhibition of India's military strength, featuring tanks, missiles, rocket launchers, warplanes, surveillance tools, and advanced weaponry, alongside its rich cultural heritage.

A key highlight was the impressive March Past performed by various Marching Contingents from the Indian defense forces, allied services, and others. The parade also included a contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the Military Band of Indonesia's Military Academy. The Indonesian marching group comprised 152 members, while the band had 190 members.

Displayed at the Kartavya Path were the Indian Army's T-90 Tank (Bhishma), NAG Missile System, BMP-2 Sarath, BrahMos, Pinaka Multi-launcher Rocket System, Agnibaan Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher, Akash Weapon System, Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System, All-Terrain Vehicle (Chetak), Light Specialist Vehicle (Bajrang), Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (Airawat), Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (Nandighosh and Tripurantak), and the Short-Span Bridging System.

The first Army contingent was the Mounted Column 61 Cavalry, led by Lt Ahaan Kumar. Established in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only active horsed cavalry regiment globally, incorporating all the 'State Horsed Cavalry Units'.

This was followed by nine Mechanized Columns and nine marching contingents.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebration of the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path, focusing on the 75-year anniversary of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest. President Murmu and her Indonesian counterpart were escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most Regiment of the Indian Army.

The two Presidents arrived in a ‘Traditional Buggy’, a tradition that resumed in 2024 after a 40-year hiatus.

The Republic Day parade featured 300 cultural artists playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with musical instruments from various regions of the country. This unique blend of instruments resonated with the melody and hopes of a billion hearts, including Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha from Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim, Thavil, Gudum Baza, Talam, and Monbah.

Flower petals were showered from Mi-17 1V helicopters from 129 Helicopter Unit in the Dhwaj Formation, led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

As per tradition, the National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute with 105-mm Light Field Guns, an indigenous weapon system. The President took the salute, marking the beginning of the parade.

The parade was commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation officer.

Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area, served as the Parade Second-in-Command.

Distinguished recipients of the highest gallantry awards saluted the president, including Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), along with Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd). The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for exemplary bravery against the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is for similar acts of valor outside enemy confrontation.

Among the marching contingents were the Brigade of the Guards, The Jat Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, The Mahar Regiment, The Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, and the Corps of Signals.

This grand parade commemorating India's 76th Republic Day underscored the nation’s military strength and vibrant cultural heritage, carrying special significance as it celebrates the platinum jubilee of the Constitution's adoption.