New Delhi (26/01/2019) : Republic Day this year was celebrated extra ordinarily as 2019 is also the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
A spectacular display of India’s military might, complete with a grand parade of the armed forces and a majestic flypast by fighter jets of the Air Force, marked the 70th Republic Day celebrations at Delhi’s Rajpath today.
More than 17 tableau of the states and central government departments along with colourful cultural performances by children represented the country’s soft power.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was also wearing a yellowish orange turban, started the celebrations by paying a tribute to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi’s India Gate in presence of the three service chiefs.
Among the various VIPs and foreign dignitaries who attended the event was chief guest Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa.
This year on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the parade had all tableau designed for paying tribute to Gandhi.
While states showcased their connect with Gandhi, central department also focused on themes inspired by Gandhian thoughts.
Woman power was also on dazzling display at the parade, with an all-women Assam Rifles contingent in the lead and a woman officer being part of the team performing bike stunts.
Contingents of the Navy, Army Services Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals were led by women officers.
Azad Hind force Veteran also participated in this year’s parade and were greeted by loud applause by the audience.
