The ceremony commenced this morning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying tributes to the fallen heroes by laying wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
The main function was held at Rajpath in the National Capital. President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the tricolour and took the salute of the parade presented by Ceremonial Battery of the 871 Field Regiment at Rajpath. The unfurling of the national flag was followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.
On the occasion, Jammu and Kashmir Police ASI Babu Ram was conferred with Ashok Chakra posthumously for displaying valour and courage during an anti-terror operation in 2020 in Srinagar in which he killed three terrorists. His wife and son received the award from President Kovind.
The Ministry of Defence conceptualised a series of new events for the main parade on Rajpath. Special arrangements were made to give opportunity to those segments of society which usually do not get to watch the parade. Some sections of auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, safai karamcharis and frontline health workers were invited to watch the Republic Day Parade. India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress were on full display in the Republic Day parade. Our correspondent reports that a stunning flypast by 75 aircraft and helicopters of Indian Air Force was the highlight of the grand parade.
