Republic Day parade 2017 as it happened: Colourful tableaux and Tejas debut steal show at Rajpath
The 68th Republic Day Parade will showcase India’s military strength and achievements in a range of areas and its diverse culture at the Rajpath.
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Fight forces which seek to undermine constitutional values, says Sonia Gandhi
Congress President Sonia Gandhi said the intrinsic strength of Indian Republic lies in our constitutional values and asked the people to “fight forces which seek to undermine them”.
Extending greetings on the occassion of the 68th Republic Day, Gandhi said that the Indian Republic’s intrinsic strength lies in our constitutional values.
Today is the day to reinforce our indelible commitment to protection, preservation and practise of these constitutional ideals that comprise India’s true spirit and struggle against inequality and injustice, she said.
“Paying respects to the freedom fighters and founding fathers of Indian Republic as also to those great men and women who drafted the Constitution,” Gandhi said, expressing hope that “every Indian will strive to fight for these values and forces that seek to undermine them.” — PTI
Balloons dotted the sky at Rajpath on Republic Day
India and Bangladesh exchange sweets at Indo-Bangladesh border
Republic Day: Indian and Pakistani army exchange sweets at Wagah Border
Republic Day parade comes to an end
Shwet Ashwa team of the Coprs of Military Police, ‘Dare Devils’ — motorcycle display team of Coprs of Military Police, show their motorcycle skills.
NSG contingent, also known as Black Cat Commandos, march on Rajpath
Air Force band playing the tune of ‘sound barrier’ on Rajpath
The CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle of the CBRN Company of 475 Engineer Brigade was led by Major PK Morolia.
Missile Regiment, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system was led by Captain Sunith Lopes.
Dhanush gun system on display at Rajpath
Havaldar Hangpan Dada posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra
Dada was martyred in Naugam sector, Kupwara.
Modi arrives at Rajpath
Tight security in Delhi after intel inputs of possible terror attack
The national capital was wrapped in an unprecedented security cover with thousands of security force personnel keeping a hawk-eye vigil to ward off any terror strike or untoward incident during the 68th Republic Day celebrations.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters were deployed to keep a watch on the eight-km-long parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort besides nearby localities.
There were intelligence inputs that terror groups may try to carry out attacks. Delhi Police was sent a special advisory informing them that terror groups might use animals to target crowded areas like important installations, railway stations, etc to create a panic.
As per earlier intelligence inputs, terror groups like LeT may be planning to use helicopter charter services and charter flights to launch attacks.
Snipers were on top of high-rise buildings while around scores of CCTV cameras kept a tight vigil on people’s movements on the parade route.
Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, were also put in place to secure the air space. — PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti
Chief guest UAE crown prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Guard of Honour along with President Pranab Mukherjee
Dhanush howitzers to be displayed for the first time in R-Day parade
UAE contingent to lead parade
It is not the first time that a foreign contingent will be the part of the Republic Day parade. That distinction belongs to the French, which was allowed last year to participate, by the same Modi government. Last year too, the French President François Hollande was the Chief Guest for Republic Day celebrations. However, the difference this time is that the UAE contingent will lead the parade.
Read Prakash Nanda’s full article here .
Navy personnel honoured
Google Doodle for R-Day
Google pushed out a brand new Doodle to celebrate India’s 68th Republic Day. The colourful doodle showcases the crowds that have arrived to witness the grandeur of the Republic Day Parade which takes place every year at the Rajpath, in New Delhi.
Read the full Tech2 report here .
Indians in Singapore celebrate R-Day
Indian diaspora celebrated the country’s 68th Republic Day at an event organised in Singapore by India’s High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf.
Ashraf read out President Pranab Mukherjee’s message on the occasion which was followed by a cultural programme where students from Indian schools in Singapore presented patriotic songs.
The High Commissioner hosted a reception this morning for the community which included business leaders. — PTI
Sudarsan Pattnaik is a sand artist and a Padma Shri awardee.
Contingent of NSG to march past Rajpath for the first time this R-Day
A contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), also known as Black Cat Commandoes, will march past the Rajpath for the first time this Republic Day, say reports.
How India became a Republic
R-Day celebrations in Chennai
67 years ago, a Republic was born…
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