Republic Day 2019 highlights: 58 tribal guests, 22 tableaux mark 90-minute iconic parade at Rajpath

Mizoram Governor addresses empty ground amid R-Day boycott call

Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan on Saturday addressed an almost-empty ground on the 70th Republic Day, due to a statewide boycott call given by an umbrella organisation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. No member from the general public attended the function, police said adding that only ministers, legislators and top officials were present.

The boycott call was given by the NGO Coordination Committee, an organisation of civil society groups and student bodies. Six armed contingents participated in the Republic Day parade, officials said. Up to 30 contingents traditionally take part in the annual event.

Republic Day parade concludes with a grand show of Indian Air Force’s flypast

 At this year’s parade, 26 children including 6 girls and 20 boys were honoured with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2019. 

Lt Bhavana Kasturi creates history, leads Army Service Corps contingent at Rajpath

In one of the firsts, Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi led the Indian Army’s Service Corps Contingent as it marched down the Rajpath in a valiant display of India’s military and cultural strength on the occasion of 70th Republic Day.

Armymen on motorcycles stun with daredevil stunts

Captain Shikha Surbhi led the human pyramid on moving motorcycles which showcased daredevil stunts at the Rajpth.

Tiranga unfurls at 18,000 feet

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel celebrated Republic Day at 18,000 feet and in -30 degree celsius in Ladakh by saluting the national flag. 

Visuals of Republic Day celebrations from Lucknow Madrasa

The Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal Madarasa in Lucknow celebrated the 70th Republic Day with fervour as the students and teachers unfurled the national flag.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation sends across message of ‘Swachh Bharat’

The tableau of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation emphasised on the importance of keeping oneself and one’s surroundings clean.

Camel contingent matches steps with soldiers 

India has world’s only camel-mounted military force and the contingent marched with pride at Rajpath on the occasion of 70th Republic Day. 

State tableaus mark Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary

While Gujarat’s tableau showcased the journey of Gandhi’s Dandi march, Tamil Nadu exhibited how he embraced the dhoti.

Army veterans’ strength and sacrifice celebrated 

A special tableau was presented in this year’s Republic Day parade to pay tributes to the service of the army veterans. The theme of the tableau was: ‘Veterans: Accelerators in Nation’s Growth’. 

Saffron turban for Prime Minister Modi this republic day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued with his tradition of donning colourful turbans at Republic Day celebrations on Saturday by sporting a yellowish orange headgear with a red tail. Wearing his traditional kurta pajama and the trademark Nehru jacket, Modi paid tributes to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti before heading for the Republic Day parade.’ – PTI

India displays military prowess by flanking newest entrants to armed forces fleet;  T-90 (Bhishma) battle tank, Akash missiles showcased at event 

President Kovind gives out Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Wazir Ahmad Naik’s widow 

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a militant-turned-soldier who laid down his life during an anti-terror operation at Shopian in Kashmir in November last year, has been awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. President Ram Nath Kovind presented the award to the gallant soldier’s wife Mahajabeen on the Republic Day.

Prime Minister Modi arrives at Rajpath, greets President Ram Nath Kovind, chief guest  Cyril Ramaphosa on arrival 

Prime Minister Modi has arrived at the Rajpath ahead of President’s cavalcade, as is mandated by the tradition. The prime minister greeted the president on his arrival, who was accompanied by chief guest of honour for today’s parade, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. Modi also received the First Lady Savita Kovind, and president Ramaphosa’s wife Tshepo Motsepe.

Prime Minister Modi, President Kovind pay homage to martyrs of Indian security forces at Amar Jawan Jyoti 

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial at the India Gate. Modi laid a wreath on the memorial built in remembrance of the many named and unnamed soldiers who lost their lives in combat.  

Counterview: Tanks and artillery are passe, 26 Jan celebrations require renewed focus on power of people

The parade has not changed dramatically in 70 years and there is a certain predictable monotony to the way it unfolds. No one has ever thought of it, but even a good thing can be dulled by repetition and need not necessarily stay in step with the times. The parade is stodgy. It is not fun and today’s younger generation is not reflected as the stimulating, imaginative, creative incredible entity that it is. A drone display like we did for the hockey World Cup, lasers piercing the sky and writing our destiny in a night parade with pyrotechnic finales and racing cars and choppers landing on Rajpath and performing a simulated medevac, our floats, those of our sportsmen and women, those who have been accomplished in the preceding year in the arts and sciences, a celebration with a touch of the carnival in our spread of cultural diversity.

Point of View: Republic Day parade offers citizens only chance to thank soldiers, there’s no need to demilitarise it

As India celebrates the 70th Republic Day on 26 January, the debate rages over the need for the parade and the so-called muscular message of militarism it conveys. Parallels are often drawn with the Independence Day celebrations — where the armed forces are present but the thrust of the event is political — to demand “demilitarisation” of the Republic Day parade which to some symbolises jingoism. 

Peaceniks all over the world use the same language to explain their opposition to militaries, in general, and parades, in particular. These are incorrect because there is no proven co-relation between military parades, brainwashed children, armed violence and creeping fascism. In fact, the reverse could well be true of India. Among all the democracies and republics, India is easily the least militarised society in the world. 

Odisha CM’s sister Gita Patnaik declines Padma award, says timing may be misconstrued

Noted writer and Odisha chief minister’s sister Gita Patnaik has “respectfully” turned down the Padma award Saturday. She said that while she was honoured by the recognition and the Government of India’s gesture, the timing of the award can be misconstrued given the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are looming close. 

“I am deeply honoured that the Government of India should think me worthy of a Padma Shri but with great regret I feel I must decline as there is a general election looming and the timing of the award might be misconstrued,” her statement read.

Heavy security arrangements across New Delhi: Anti-aircraft guns, SWAT women commandos, snipers deployed

SWAT women commandos, mobile hit teams, snipers are among the varied layers of security under which the national capital has been placed for the Republic Day celebrations. Elaborate measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, were put in place to secure the airspace.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters have also been deployed to keep a watch on the eight-kilometre-long parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort, besides the nearby localities. Parakram vans, that are manned by NSG-trained commandos, had been patrolling strategic locations to ensure that security is not jeopardised. Snipers have been stationed atop high-rise buildings while scores of CCTV cameras are keeping a tight vigil on people’s movements on the parade route. Nearly 25,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and central security forces were deployed in Central Delhi.

The police are also using counter-drone technology to thwart any attack or identify any suspicious flying object, a senior police officer said.

70th Republic Day parade to mark many firsts

India’s 70th Republic Day parade on Rajpath this Saturday will have many firsts, including display of the army’s newly acquired artillery guns, a march by an all-women paramilitary contingent from the Assam Rifles along with a lone woman officer exhibiting bike stunts on Rajpath as part of the iconic daredevil team. 

Delhi Police issues traffic advisory to citizens in view of parade

The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays and avoid the route of Republic Day parade between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort grounds in the national capital.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to be chief guest at Republic Day parade

This year, India has invited South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa as Chief Guest for the event. Ramaphosa, who was Nelson Mandela’s choice for future President of South Africa, became president in February 2018. The decision to invite Ramaphose, a keen Gandhi follower, happens to fall in a year when India will celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.

President Ram Nath Kovind hoists flag at India Gate, kick starts Republic Day celebrations

President Ram Nath Kovind hoisted the National fFag at 7.00 am today at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi, marking the start of celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also laid a wreath at the memoir constructed after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 to commemorate the martyred soldiers.