A rich kaleidoscope of India's
cultural diversity and achievements along with its military might was on display at the Rajpath today during 67th Republic Day parade where French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest.
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Army's Remount Veterinary Corps' Dog squad, draped in uniform, received the loudest cheers from the crowd as they marched down the Rajpath. After a gap of 26 years, the Indian Army's unsung heroes made it back to the parade.
Around 36 out of 1,200 Labradors and German Shepherds, which are used to detect explosives and landmines in restive northern Kashmir, underwent weeks of training before being paraded.
Incidentally, a street dog strayed on the Rajpath minutes before the Republic Day programme began, leading to some commotion in the audience seated nearby.
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Colourfully bedecked camels, a contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF), used for patrolling in the Thar Desert region in Rajasthan and Gujarat strolled down the ceremonial boulevard as bandsmen riding their backs played martial music.
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A French military contingent marched down the Rajpath, a first by any foreign armed force. In 2009, an Indian contingent had participated in France's annual Bastille Day parade.
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In some jaw dropping action, Army's stunt riders showed off some of their daring skills on Royal Enfields, forming human pyramid and lotus on the two-wheelers.
The NDA government's flagship programmes like Swachh
Bharat Mission, Digital India and green energy were showcased on tableaux at Rajpath with focus on mega schemes like Namami Gange, solar and wind power.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande were seen engaging in conversations on several occasions during the one-and-a-half-hour-long event. Modi was understood to be explaining various things to the French president.
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Donning a light brown bund-gala and a marigold-coloured headgear (safa), Modi waved to the people in front of the dais where dignitaries were seated.
After seeing off President Pranab Mukherjee and Hollande, the Prime Minister, prompted by the cheers of people, crossed the Rajpath to come closer to the people and waved to them before getting back in his car.
Security personnel kept up with him as he got close to the visitors' enclosure where people were seated.
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For the first time, the parade saw an ex-servicemen tableau where Army veterans showcased their role in nation building.
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Braving early morning chill, a large number people flocked to the Rajpath to witness the majestic parade. Initially, both the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the India Gate were hardly visible due to fog. But later, it became clearer which also allowed the flypast.
Last year, when US President Barack Obama graced the occasion, there was persistent drizzling which however did not deter people who cheered the performers as they went by.
