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Everyone present battled the rain with umbrellas, hats and raincoats, but nothing could dampen the excitement around the US President’s visit. Obama is the first US President to attend the Republic Day parade. Following tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was seen in a hand-tied colourful turban, began the ceremony after paying homage to martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Soon after signing the ceremonial book, he headed towards Rajpath to welcome Obama.
Obama, who arrived along with wife Michelle at Rajpath, was welcomed with a huge cheer from the crowd. Soon, Obama, wearing a black overcoat, took out his umbrella. He could be seen talking to President Pranab Mukherjee as he walked towards the dais waving and smiling at the crowd. President Mukherjee was seen in a woollen hat while finance minister Arun Jaitley, Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi had their umbrellas out. Railway minister Suresh Prabhu donned a raincoat.
The show-stoppers were the all-woman contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force. In a first, the parade’s central theme was ‘Nari Shakti’ or ‘women power’. Amidst reports that the scheduled Air Force fly-past may be affected by bad weather, the advanced light helicopter “Dhruv” was soon seen in the sky. It seemed the rain only lightened the mood as the Indian military personnel were upbeat in their march during the parade. Adding to the grandeur were aerial shots provided by Doordarshan for viewers witnessing the event from their homes.
In keeping with the theme of women’s empowerment, the naval contingent was led by Lt Commander Sandhya Chauhan followed by the naval brass band. The naval tableau also reflected the theme and depicted the bravery of officers. The all-woman contingent from the Air Force was led by Squadron Leader Sneha Shekhawat. The 50-year anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak war was the theme of the tableaux from the Air Force.
Displaying India’s self-reliance and increased indigenisation, the DRDO equipment column had on display ‘Akash’, the surface to air weapon system. President Obama could be seen enjoying the rhythmic music of the marching bands, nodding in tune to ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’. The US president got a snapshot of Indian culture in all its diversity and colour. Lending a dash of colour was the first state tableau from Karnataka displaying brightly hued wooden toys.
That was followed by Andhra Pradesh showcasing the festival of Sankranti. The tableau from Goa had defence minister Mohan Parrikar smiling all the way. That was followed by Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand displaying the glory of the Kedarnath temple. Showcasing another high of the past few months with the theme “Kal Hamara Hai” (tomorrow is ours) was a performance by schoolchildren based on the successful Mangalayan mission.
The Border Security Force’s motorcycle contingent raised the bar by displaying brave acrobatic formations commemorating the organisation’s golden jubilee. The most awaited event, the fly-past, lived up to the expectations as aircraft flying overhead from Raisina Hill towards Rajpath displayed India’s air power. First, it was three MI 35 helicopters followed by the Hercules aircraft display, the Poseidon formation showcasing the latest acquisition of the Navy, and a trident formation by the MIG 29. Ending the celebrations with a magnificent flourish was a “vertical charlie” move by a Su-30 MkI aircraft over the saluting dais.
In a final touch of colour, saffron, white and green balloons were released as President Obama waved to the gathering and departed from Rajpath.
