In a significant meeting held recently, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, the newly appointed Eastern Army Commander, interacted with General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the Honourable Governor of Mizoram, and Shri Pu Lalduhoma, the Honourable Chief Minister of Mizoram. The meeting, which took place on January 30, 2025, focused on the critical management of the Indo-Myanmar border, aiming to enhance cooperation and synergy among various stakeholders involved in border security and regional stability.

Lt Gen RC Tiwari, who succeeded Lieutenant General RP Kalita, brings extensive experience from commanding roles in counter-insurgency operations, high-altitude mountain brigades, and as General Officer Commanding of the Black Cat Division. His appointment was officially announced on December 18, 2023, and prior to this, he served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters South Western Command, Jaipur. His distinguished career includes education from prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College.

General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, a former Chief of Army Staff, was appointed as the Governor of Mizoram, bringing his vast military experience and strategic insight to civilian governance. His tenure as Governor has been marked by efforts to integrate military and civil administration for the state’s benefit.

The discussion between Lt Gen Tiwari and the state leadership delved into various aspects of managing the 1,643 km Indo-Myanmar border, which stretches through the states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Recent events, including the internal conflict in Myanmar leading to an influx of refugees and security challenges in Manipur, have underscored the need for effective border management. The meeting also considered the implications of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the border, which allows for cross-border movement of tribals but has raised concerns due to the lack of continuous monitoring.

Shri Pu Lalduhoma, who became the Chief Minister following a landslide victory in the 2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election, has been vocal about the sensitivity of the border issues, especially given the historical context of ethnic divisions by colonial borders. His background includes serving as a police officer and a long-standing political career, marking him as a key figure in Mizoram’s governance and policy-making regarding border matters.

This interaction signifies a concerted effort to address strategic and security challenges at the Indo-Myanmar border, focusing on enhancing the coordination between military operations and civil administration to ensure peace and security in the region. The meeting underscores the importance of civil-military fusion in managing international borders, especially in sensitive areas like Northeast India.

Every year on January 26th, the nation’s heart swells with pride as the Republic Day Parade unfolds along the historic Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This year, the 2025 celebration shone brighter than ever—rich in culture, tradition, and innovation. But behind the resplendent tableaux, the marching contingents, and the roar of patriotic fervor, there is a dedicated team of voices ensuring that every moment resonates across the country.

The Unsung Heroes of Republic Day

The parade’s magnificence is not just in the spectacle of disciplined marching or the flutter of the tricolor—it’s also in the words and emotions conveyed by the official commentators. Often unseen but always heard, these men and women lend their voices to narrate the unfolding scenes, share historical context, and highlight key details about each contingent, dance performance, and technological showcase.

Their role is crucial:

• Bridging the Distance: Millions of citizens, whether in India or abroad, rely on these commentators to experience the grandeur of Republic Day from their homes.
• Weaving History and Context: From the heroic sagas of our armed forces to the cultural richness of each state’s tableau, the commentary provides depth and perspective.
• Stoking National Pride: The enthusiasm and passion in their voices bring the patriotic spirit alive, ensuring that viewers do not just watch but feel each moment.

Bringing the Parade to Life

This year’s commentary team, guided by the PRODefDehradun, spent weeks—sometimes months—meticulously planning their scripts. From learning about the significance of the newly inducted military equipment to understanding the unique cultural elements of various states, they left no stone unturned to make sure their words matched the visual splendor on the ground.

1. Extensive Research
   • The team collaborated with defense officials, cultural experts, and state representatives to gather accurate information.
   • They studied historical archives, visited regimental centers, and interviewed parade participants to glean firsthand stories.
2. Script and Guidance
   • Under the thoughtful guidance of PRO Defence Dehradun, the commentary script was refined and updated to reflect the latest additions and ceremonial protocols.
   • Every word and phrase was chosen to ensure clarity, authenticity, and respect for tradition.
3. Balancing Tradition and Innovation
   • While honoring the time-tested elements of the parade—like the gallantry award winners and the beating retreat ceremony—the commentators also highlighted new technological displays, modern defense equipment, and progressive initiatives introduced in 2025.
   • This balance showcased India’s deep-rooted heritage alongside its forward-looking achievements.

Voice Behind the Microphone

Though the live coverage often flashes images of the grand salute and the President’s motorcade, the commentators themselves rarely come into view. Yet, they form the narrative backbone of the telecast. Among these voices are:

• Veteran Broadcasters: Some have been associated with Republic Day commentary for decades, bringing seasoned insight and a comforting sense of continuity.
• Defence Officers: Serving senior officers from Indian Army Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
• Cultural Enthusiasts: Commentators well-versed in India’s artistic and linguistic diversity, who help audiences appreciate the richness of each state’s tableau.

The Magic of Live Coverage

Delivering real-time commentary for an event of this magnitude is a high-pressure endeavor. Moments before going on air, the commentators can be seen:

• Rechecking the order of contingents.
• Confirming last-minute changes in timing or lineup.
• Practicing pronunciations of names from different regions.
• Steadying their nerves to capture the right pitch and tone for every significant moment—from the solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial to the cheerful performances by schoolchildren.

A Salute to Their Contribution

So, as the tricolor flutters in the January breeze and the nation stands united in celebration, let us remember to salute these incredible voices behind the grand celebration at #KartavyaPath. Their commentary brought the #majestic parade to life and helped capture the true #spirit of our nation—every echo of the marching bands, every note of patriotic fervor, and every proud moment of recognition for our armed forces and cultural heritage.

Their tireless work, in-depth research, and heartfelt narration ensure that the meaning of Republic Day resonates in every home—from bustling metros to the remotest corners of the country. Through their lens of words, we are not just watching the parade; we are living it.

In a significant boost to India’s artillery firepower, the Cabinet Committee on Security has given its nod for the purchase of ammunition worth over Rs 10,000 crore for the Army’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems. This approval comes as the Army seeks to bolster its combat capabilities, particularly along the northern frontier with China.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had earlier stated on January 13 that two Pinaka contracts — one for high explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and another for area denial munitions — were set to be signed before the end of the current fiscal. With the latest clearance from the CCS, the procurement of these munitions for six additional Pinaka regiments is set to move forward.

The Army already operates four Pinaka regiments. The Pinaka system has two variants: the Pinaka MK-I, which has a range of around 40 km, and the Pinaka II, capable of striking targets up to 60 km away. The system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research and Development Establishment and is named after the bow of Lord Shiva. It was initially designed to replace the Soviet-era Grad BM-21 rocket launcher.

The Pinaka first proved its mettle during the Kargil War, effectively neutralising enemy positions in difficult mountainous terrain. Reports indicate that the first batch of Pinaka launchers was supplied to Armenia, reflecting India’s growing stature as a defence exporter.

Alongside strengthening its rocket artillery, the Army is also set to enhance its long-range firepower with additional procurements, including 100 more K9 Vajra howitzers, swarm drones, loitering munitions, and advanced surveillance systems. These steps are part of a broader push to modernise and equip the Indian Army with cutting-edge weaponry to meet emerging challenges along key frontiers.