Why this 68th Republic Day parade was particularly spectacular
Celebrating its 68th Republic Day at a time of utter political chaos reminded India that it’s one nation after all, not just a collection of factious and deeply disgruntled states.
The #Odisha tableau at #RepublicDay parade pic.twitter.com/CkWbwL9E3p
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Showcasing its military might – with march pasts of various Army, naval and airforce regiments, as well as displaying a retinue of India-made defence equipment – along with fronting cultural diversity in the freeze-frame tableaux, also known as “jhaankis”, marked 68 years since the Indian Constitution was adopted by the government, and we had a rule of law that was drafted by our beloved leader BR Ambedkar.
PM @narendramodi breaks protocol, waves and greets the public during #RepublicDay celebrations. #JaiHo #ITVideo pic.twitter.com/JFwupKDYPs
— India Today (@IndiaToday) January 26, 2017
‘Dare Devils’- motorcycle display team of Corps of Military Police #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/E8yAMJH5LC
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
The Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath – the national capital’s arterial road paved with history – saw a host of political figures, particularly President of India Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Manohar Parrikar, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, among others, sharing a moment with the chief guest, UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed al Nahyan.
President Pranab Mukherjee leaves for Rajpath #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/zRFF1z4MzS
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Day of debuts
On a cloudy day, the Republic Day fly-pasts saw the newly inducted C-17 Globemaster doing a solo sortie, while the indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas performed its debut aerial acrobatics that was simply breathtaking. Other fly-pasts include the Sukhoi Su30 and the Jaguars of the IAF fleet.
The culmination: Su-30 MKI at 900 km/hr splitting the sky witha ‘Vertical Charlie’,piloted by Group Captain P Agnihotri #HappyRepublicDay pic.twitter.com/8f03vUPCPV
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2017
An emphasis on India’s increased military confidence meant that the Bhishma tank, the BrahMos missile system, the Dhanush Howitzers were also given prominent displays in the parade, which included a “jog past” by the NSG black cat commandos in a first.
NSG commandos at the #RepublicDay parade pic.twitter.com/k6Zivxlu9f
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Also, a UAE contingent marched on Rajpath, marking another debut in itself. A 149-member UAE presidential guard, the air force and the navy, army contingent, led by a band of 35 musicians from the country marched past, presenting their ceremonial salute to the Indian head of state, President Pranab Mukherjee.
UAE contingent at #RepublicDay parade pic.twitter.com/r7EMrm7pP9
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Tableaux of culture
As the Indian states presented their jhaankis, it presented them with an opportunity to showcase thei unique cultural standpoints.
The #Odisha tableau at #RepublicDay parade pic.twitter.com/CkWbwL9E3p
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Leading with Odisha, the tableaux emphasised India’s unity in diversity, such as the snow-capped Jammu and Kashmir, Bal Gangadhar Tilak for Maharashtra, and wonderfully enough, the resurgent government schools of the AAP-ruled Delhi.
The #JammuandKashmir tableau at #RepublicDay parade pic.twitter.com/f6V8ZCRZqa
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Delhi CM Kejriwal gave a standing ovation as the state’s tableau passed by, driving home the point of good education making a good and secure future of a state.
The #Delhi tableau at #RepublicDay parade pic.twitter.com/LvUi4SkAZb
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
Awards and mentions
Gallantry awards were presented to soldiers who died in the line of duty. Ashok Chakra (posthumous) was to Chasen Lowang Dada, the widow of the late Havildar Hangpan Dada.
Ashok Chakra(Posthumous) for Havildar Hangpan Dada.Award is received by his wife Chasen Lowang Dada. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/ywoGHj1VJL
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
The Indian Army team that conducted the September 29, 2016 surgical strike across the LoC also got a special mention.
India’s military prowess
With a host of newly inducted artillery and aircraft on display, India’s defence prowess was on full display, especially the pride of place was reserved for those made in India, partly or fully. In addition, the Indian Navy’s tableau themed “Indian Navy – Professional Force: Ancoring Stability, Security and National Prosperity”, put forward a show of the India-built Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari class next generation combat submarines. Marine commandoes and long range maritime patrol aircraft were also on display in the tableau.
The Indian Air Force tableau #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/KsGSC3RiF1
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
However, this Republic Day also marked the official acknowledgement of significantly increased defence spending by India, with defence minister Manohar Parrikar committing billions of rupees to renewed military push, both in purchase and manufacture. Given that India is in an equipment acquisition spree, the 68th Republic Day also became the peg on which to hang the nationalist militaristic aspirations, India’s yearning to be counted as one of the top military contenders in the globe, commanding one of the biggest armed forces in the world.
The Indian Navy tableau #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/XNeRZPikvH
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 26, 2017
That India is prioritising defence spending and national security related expenditure over many other crucial fields of national importance is telling of the times we are living in.