New Delhi, Jan 26: From the Pralay missile to a tri-services tableau, the 76th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path on Sunday featured many firsts. Here is a glimpse:
* First woman officer to present salute to president
Captain Dimple Singh Bhati set a world record by becoming the first woman Army officer to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle.
With remarkable balance and poise, Bhati presented a sharp and graceful salute to the president, embodying the courage, precision and excellence of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, known as “The Dare Devils”
* Tri-services tableau
In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of “jointness” among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital
It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation on land, in water and air, with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter.
The tableau’s theme was “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat (strong and secure India)”
* Pralay missile
The indigenous short-range quasi-ballistic missile Pralay also made its debut at the Republic Day parade. The missile, meant for the Army and the Air Force, will be the first ballistic missile in India’s arsenal meant for conventional strikes
* SANJAY
The battlefield surveillance system SANJAY was also featured for the first time on the national capital’s majestic boulevard. The Army’s automated battle surveillance system integrates inputs from all ground and aerial battlefield sensors
* Indonesian contingent
A 352-member marching and band contingent participated in the parade. This was the first time India had a contingent from Indonesia marching on Republic Day. It was also the first time that an Indonesian military band and a military contingent participated in a parade abroad
* Cultural performance covers entire Kartavya Path for first time
More than 5,000 folk and tribal artistes performed 45 dance forms from different parts of the country during the Republic Day parade, with the performers covering the entire Kartavya Path for the first time to ensure that all guests got the same viewing experience
The 11-minute performance — “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam” — was curated by Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The choreographed presentation was brought alive through the rich and colourful legacy of tribal and folk forms of the country as a tribute on the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.(PTI)
