New Delhi: India displayed her military prowess in the parade, with special focus on the Indian Navy and maritime security, which is an important component of New Delhi’s engagement with the ASEAN countries. India’s diversity was also on display, with tableaux from 14 states and Union Territories including Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Kerala, among others, highlighting its rich cultural and historic heritage. India’s achievements and progress were shown through the government’s flagship schemes, such as ‘Khelo India,’ a national programme to develop sports.
One of the major attractions of the parade this year was the stunts and formations displayed by the Border Security Force’s women’s motor cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani. Led by Sub Inspector Stanzin Noryang, the “Daredevils”displayed stunts such as the Salute to President and Flag March Pyramid.
Another major attraction, which drew loud applause from the crowds, was the Indian Air Force’s flypast. Beginning with formations by IAF helicopters and aircraft, the parade ended with a Su-30 MKI carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais.
President’s address
On the eve of Republic Day, in his address to the nation, President Ram Nath Kovind said a confident and forward-looking nation can only be built by confident and forward-looking young people. “Over 60 per cent of our fellow citizens are below the age of 35. It is in them that our hopes lie. Our aspiration must be to reform, upgrade and enlarge our education system – and to make it relevant to 21st century realities of the digital economy, genomics, robotics and automation,” he said.
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