A moderate academic scorer with some all-rounder skills, my school and college life was full of adventure with no vision. My father severed in IAF before he switched his profession. Influenced by him I dreamt of being in forces one day. I started preparing in my last year of college academically but worked on my personality way before that. Trying my hand in hosting or organising college events, I built up my confidence. I couldn’t clear my AFCAT and CDS and be eagerly waiting for an opportunity. I cleared my INET (SSC- PILOT/OBS) in September and started talking to some prior recommended candidates. Gathered my information and kept on working towards it. I got ill in between and had to balance my co-operate job as well. I wanted to take coaching as this was my first chance but my office timings were clashing, so I couldn’t. I went to 12 SSB Bangalore and tried my skills. Performed well in Psychology tests, Moderate high in the interview and Proudly good in my GTO. I was called 5 times in my groups command task. Got recommended with my head high. Cleared my CPSS PABT for a lifetime. Now all set for my medicals. Prepare for INET 2020 Exam
Lieutenant General Satinder Kumar Saini, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM, ADC is the current Vice Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army who assumed the office on 25 January 2020. He previously served as General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) Southern Command. Gen Saini is an alumnus of Sainik School, Kapurthala, National Defence Academy, Pune; and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He has also attended the Army Command and Staff Course at Staff College, Camberley; Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham; and National Defence College, Dhaka. He has a total of three degrees in defence and strategic studies. During 36 years of his career, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2018), the Yudh Seva Medal, the Vishisht Seva Medal, the Chief of Army Staff Commendation and the Army Commander Commendation for his service.
Lt Gen SK Saini on his priorities as Army Vice Chief: Removing hollowness in terms of critical deficiencies of equipment, ammunition etc, capability development along the Northern borders. Army Vice Chief Lt Gen SK Saini: The situation in Jammu&Kashmir on both LoC and the hinterland are under control. The launch pads have been reoccupied&terrorist camps are active. Ceasefire violations have gone up last year. We’re fully geared up to meet challenges that come across
Air Marshal Padmavathy Bandopadhyay, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (born 4 November 1944) is the first woman Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force. She is the second woman in the Indian armed forces to be promoted to a three-star rank. She joined the IAF in 1968. She married S. N. Bandopadhyay, a fellow air force officer. She was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for her conduct during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Sati Nath and Padma were the first IAF couple to receive a Presidents award in the same investiture parade. In her career she has been first woman to become a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Society of India and the first Indian woman to have conducted scientific research at the North Pole. She is also the first woman Armed Forces officer to have completed the Defence Service Staff College course in 1978. She was the Director General Medical Services (Air) at the Air Headquarters. In 2002, she became the first woman to be promoted to Air Vice Marshal (two-star rank). Bandopadhyay is an aviation medicine specialist and a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Among the marching contingents of the three services, Indian Air Force has been adjudged first while Central Industrial Security Force has bagged first prize among paramilitary forces. Among the marching contingents of the three services, Indian Air Force has been adjudged first while Central Industrial Security Force has bagged first prize among paramilitary forces. For the Republic Day Parade, tableaux of Jal Jeevan Mission and National Disaster Response Force declared best. The tableaux would be given awards by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow.
India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress was on full display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath on Sunday. Lieutenant General Asit Mistry led the parade on the occasion of 71st Republic Day as Parade Commander. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff Delhi Area, was the second-in-command for the parade. General Officer Commanding Delhi area, Lt Gen Asit Mistry, had also led the Republic day parade last year. The parade, which began at 10:00 am with the national salute, lasted for around 90 minutes and included a flypast by MI-17 and Rudra armed helicopters, display of latest weapons and equipments and sixteen marching contingents from the Armed Forces, Para-Military Forces, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) and thirteen Military bands. As many as 22 tableaus of various states, union territories and government departments also moved past India Gate, followed by cultural items by school children and motorcycle display by an all-women team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The winners of highest gallantry awards – Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra followed the parade commander. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy. .The first contingent in the uniform was of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers, 61 Cavalry led by Captain Deepanshu Sheoran. Behind it was the first column in the Mechanised Columns — the Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, commanded by Captain Sunny Chahar of 86 Armoured Regiment. The next detachment was of the Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) BMP-II led by Lieutenant Vijay Pal Singh Sra of the 18th Battalion, The Mechanised Infantry Regiment. BMP is a high mobility Infantry combat Vehicle with potent armament and state of the art night fighting capability. Thereafter, the next detachment was K-9 VAJRA-T commanded by Captain Abhinav Sahu of 269 Medium Regiment.
Following it was the next detachment of Dhanush Gun System commanded by Captain Mrigank Bhardwaj of 93 field regiment. The 155mm/45 Caliber Dhanush Gun System is a towed Howitzer which has been designed indigenously by the Ordnance Factory Board.
And then came to the newly inducted 5 Metre Short Span Bridging System led by Captain Adhiraj Pathak of 234 Armoured Engineer Regiment and Sarvatra Bridge System commanded by Captain Anmol Preet Singh of 64 Assault Engineer Regiment. The next detachment was of Transportable Satellite Terminal (TST). The TST vehicles of the Corps of Signals was led by Major Sheena Nayyar of the 21 Signal Group, followed by Akash weapon system commanded by Major Ankit Pahil and Captain Satyanaryana Madimi of 128 Air Defence Missile Regiment.
And then came the marching contingents — the first being the gallant Paratroopers of The Parachute Regiment. The contingent was led by Major Nikhil Kumar Maurya and was assisted by Major Tarun Rathi. This was followed by a contingent of The Grenadiers Regiment, the Sikh Light Infantry, Kumaon Regiment. The next marching contingent was of the Corps of Signals which was led by Captain Tanya Shergil, a fourth-generation Army Officer. Marching for the first time on the Rajpath on the Republic Day was the marching contingent of the Corps of Army Air Defence, led by Capt Vikas Kumar Sahu of Army Air Defence Centre. The Naval tableau showcased the might and firepower of Navy in all three dimensions viz surface, sub-surface and air. The Indian Air Force tableau showcased scaled-down models of the Rafale aircraft, the Tejas aircraft, the Light Combat Helicopter, the Akash Missiles System, and the Astra Missiles against a sky blue background. The smartly attired officers in their flying overalls stand alongside the models. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was represented by Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) – Mission Shakti and Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR).
Mission Shakti, India’s first Anti-Satellite (ASAT) mission, was a major breakthrough in demonstrating our nation’s Anti-Satellite technology. Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden successful test of its anti-satellite missile Shakti on 27th March 2019. This was followed by contingents of para-military (Coast Guard, CRPF, ITBP, CISF) and other auxiliary civil forces. And shortly after this came, the tableaus of several states showcasing their traditions and culture truly representing India’s diversity. The tableau of Chhattisgarh showcased the artistic beauty of state’s folklife, while the tableau of the state of Tamil Nadu showcases the Folk Arts (Gramiya Kalai) of the Tamil people. The tableau of Rajasthan depicted the architectural and cultural heritage of Jaipur while that of Himachal Pradesh showcased the fervour and festivity of world-famous International Kullu Dussehra festival.
The tableau of Odisha state showcased the famous Rukuna Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraja, while the tableau of Gujarat depicted the theme of ‘Rani Ki Vav-JalMandir’ representing the state’s art heritage. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh mirrored not only the cultural and religious tourism of the state but also the state’s theme of “Sarva Dharma Samabhav” and the tableau of Punjab showcased the ideology of Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev. The tableau of Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance depicts the wonderful achievements made in the area of financial inclusion in the country and that of Ministry of Jal Shakti underlined the Government’s new initiative ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ which aims at providing Functional Household Tap Connection to every rural household by 2024 – Har Ghar Jal. CPWD horticulture tableau’s theme was ‘Kashmir se Kanyakumari’-showed memorial of Swami Vivekananda Kanyakumari, a ‘Shikara’ on the Dal lake and the Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh. Thereafter came on a decorated jeep, the 49 children including 18 girls and 31 boys who have been honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar, 2020 for their exceptional achievement.
The CRPF woman bikers showed their “dare-devilry” on Rajpath. Leading the Dare Devils in today’s Parade was their dynamic leader, Inspector Seema Nag, who was seen saluting smartly while standing atop a moving motorcycle.
And then began the finale – the fly-past. The main fly-past commenced with the ‘Trishul’ formation, comprising of three ALH helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation. The next formation comprised three Chinook helicopter flying in ‘Vic’ formation at a speed of 180 kmph. The next formation flying in comprised of five state of the art precision attack Apache helicopters. The next formation comprised three Dornier aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation. Behind the ‘Dornier’ formation was the Hercules formation, comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Behind the ‘Hercules’ formation was the ‘Netra’ the “Eye in the Sky” flanked by Su-30 MKI on each side. Behind the ‘Netra’ formation was the ‘Globe’ formation, comprising three C-17 Globemaster flying in displaced trail Vic formation at a speed of 500 kmph. Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft, in ‘Arrowhead’ formation were the next to fly past at a height of 300 m and a speed of 780 kmph.
Following the Jaguars were five MiG-29 Upgrade Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Then three Su-30 MKIs of the Indian Air Force executed the Trishul manoeuvre in front of you. The parade culminated with a lone Su-30 MKI flying at a speed of 900 km/hr split the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’. Following this, The President’s Bodyguards arrived to escort the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the President of India Ram Nath Kovind. President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, who was the Chief Guest, left after the parade concluded. At the end of the parade, tricolour balloons were released. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the crowd at Rajpath as the people cheered for him enthusiastically.
RED DEVILS aka PARA SF lead the Republic day parade 2020 today. Major Nikhil Maurya and Major Tarun Rathee were the leaders of the ‘hell march’ done by the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment Special Forces during the Republic Day Parade. The Special Forces have returned to the parade after a gap of four years.
This republic day 2020, 6 Indian army soldiers will be awarded Shaurya Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. It may be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel, sometimes posthumously. We salute to our brave soldiers and you can read their full story of courage below.
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LIEUTENANT COLONEL JYOTI LAMA 11 GORKHA RIFLES / ASSAM RIFLES
Lieutenant Colonel Jyoti Lama created a vibrant intelligence network in Manipur and after meticulous planning relentlessly led his Company in apprehending fourteen hardcore terrorists. Launching successive surgically precise operations, the Officer notwithstanding personal safety and leading from the front, on 23 Jul 2019 based on a specific input regarding move of two terrorists laid an ambush in a village and eliminated them. On challenging the terrorists to drop their weapons and surrender, the Officer drew heavy fire and with utter disregard to his personal safety, pulled his buddy to safety and exhibiting raw courage and outstanding initiative engaged the terrorist in an intense firefight and eliminated a hardcore terrorist. The other terrorist trying to escape fired indiscriminately towards him. The officer unmindful of his personal safety and exhibiting nerves of steel, once again retaliated with effective fire, thereby eliminating the second hardcore terrorist. For displaying daring leadership and conspicuous gallantry resulting in neutralization of two terrorists, Lieutenant Colonel Jyoti Lama is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
MAJOR KONJENGBAM BIJENDRA SINGH ARMY AIR DEFENCE / ASSAM RIFLES
Based on input about movement of hardcore armed militants in a village in Manipur , Major Konjengbam Bijendra Singh put together a detailed plan and with his tactical guile, professionalism and proficiency in jungle warfare covertly inducted his team over long distance through extremely harsh jungle terrain and inhospitable weather to establish a surveillance detachment showing extreme physical and mental endurance. On 22 March at 1330 hours, the early warning party reported the movement of armed militants who on being challenged to surrender opened indiscriminate fire on to the squad. The officer sensing imminent danger to his troops who were pinned down from hostile fire displayed raw courage to dash forward and bring down effective retaliatory fire onto the militants from close range. This daring act resulted in elimination of two militants. For his conspicuous bravery and stout leadership in going beyond the call of duty in the face of grave and imminent danger to his men, Major Konjengbam Bijendra Singh is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
Naib Subedar Narender Singh was part of the party deployed to prevent infilteration across the Line of Control While being deployed on the Line of Control, own surveillance detachment detected move of heavily armed hostiles intruding across Line of Control with likely aim to carryout violent action upon own posts. Naib Subedar Narender in a daring and calculated tactical move led his Squad through dense undergrowth and a narrow minefield safe lane during a pitch dark night. He displaying nerve of steel and quick thinking, sited his squad along anticipated ingress routes of the hostiles. He alogwith his buddy Havildar Bhal Singh initiated contact at close quarters. In the ensuing firefight, he shot two hostiles dead at extreme close quarters and wounded another one. His aggressive actions led to foiling of attempt of the hostiles to target own posts. For his most conspicuous gallantry, tactical acumen and outstanding leadership in combat, Nb Sub Narender Singh is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
NAIB SUBEDAR SOMBIR THE JAT REGIMENT/RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS)
Naib Subedar Sombir was part of the assault team of a Rashtriya Rifles which planned and executed an operation in which three hardcore terrorists were eliminated in Jammu and Kashmir. While cordoning the target house, Naib Subedar Sombir deployed himself and his buddy to cover the most likely escape route of terrorists. One of the terrorist tried to break the cordon by firing indiscriminately and lobbing grenades on them, which resulted in grievous injuries to his buddy. Seeing his buddy in danger and not caring about personal safety, Naib Subedar Sombir seized the initiative and engaged the terrorist. In close quarter battle, Naib Subedar Sombir killed the foreign terrorist later identified as Category ‘A++’, terrorist. During his extremely courageous act, Naib Subedar Sombir received grievous Gun Shot Wounds to his chest and neck due to which he later succumbed. For display of conspicuous bravery, exemplary leadership, courage under fire and unparalleled espirit-de-corps under most challenging circumstances, Late Naib Subedar Sombir is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA (POSTHUMOUS)”.
NAIK NARESH KUMAR THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY/RASHTRIYA RIFLES
Naik Naresh Kumar was performing the duties of Scout in Company Assault Team during an operation conducted in a village in Jammu & Kashmir. On receipt of input regarding presence of one terrorist in village, a specific joint operation was launched. During search of the house a terrorist was detected under the staircase. The terrorist sensing the adverse situation, opened indiscriminate fire at the party. To eliminate the terrorist, there was a requirement of closing onto the terrorist and accordingly, Naik Naresh Kumar alongwith his buddy was tasked. When the buddy pair moved ahead, the terrorist opened heavy volume of fire and ran in opposite direction. Naik Naresh Kumar, sensing the grave danger to the troops deployed in that direction brought down accurate fire and at a close range of five meters eliminated the terrorist later identified as Category A++ terrorist. For displaying immense courage of conviction and raw courage, Naik Naresh Kumar is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
SEPOY KARMDEO ORAON THE BIHAR REGIMENT
Sepoy Karmdeo Oraon of an Infantry Battalion was deployed on a post on the line of control as Light Machine Gunner. On 29 December 2018 at 1630 hours the post received intense automatic fire from enemy posts. Simultaneously terrorists fired Pika and Rocket Propelled Grenade, in an attempt to cause injuries to own troops. Sepoy Karmdeo Oraon observed four terrorists firing and rushing towards the post which could endanger troops holding it. Sounding alarm, he engaged terrorists with Light Machine Gun during which he received a bullet on his Bullet Proof Patka and fell down. Realizing criticality of the situation, showing acute presence of mind, with utter disregard to his personal safety, he immediately rushed out of his bunker, lobbed nine grenades and engaged terrorists in close quarter battle. This gallant action resulted in elimination of two terrorists. Continuing focused aggression he rushed back to Light Machine Gun and recommenced firing thus ensuring that terrorists made no further attempt. In recognition of stupendous gallantry and willingness to make supreme sacrifice in pursuance of operational task, Sepoy Karmdeo Oraon is awarded “SHAURYA CHAKRA”.
List of Army personnel awarded for their gallantry and distinguished service on the occasion of Republic Day 2020 is enclosed. You are requested to publish the name and awards of the awardees suitably. Following documents are attached :-
India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath, here tomorrow. Anti-satellite weapon – Mission Shakthi developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Army’s battle tank Bhishma, infantry combat vehicles, Air Forces’ newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters, in addition to tableaux depicting Akash and Astra missiles and Navy’s prowess will be showcased during the 90-minute long parade. Twenty tableaux – 16 from States and Union Territories and six from various Ministries/Departments depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress will roll down the Rajpath.School children will convey age old message of yoga and spiritual values through dance and music and Indian Air Force aircraft will thunder in the sky projecting the air power.
President Shri Ram Nath Kovind will host this year’s chief guest President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mr Jair MessiasBolsonaro. The 38th President of Brazil, President Bolsonaro assumed office on January 01, 2019. Under his leadership, Brazil has successfully completed the pro-tempore presidency of the association of five major emerging national economies known as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
The relations between India and Brazil are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values and a commitment to foster inclusive economic growth for the welfare of the people of both countries. Brazil was the first Latin American nation to establish diplomatic relations with India in 1948. The ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, opening a new phase in the bilateral relations.
The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial near India Gate. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath. This is for the first time that the Prime Minister will pay homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.
As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade will commence with President Shri Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.
The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Subedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winners Major General Cyrus APithawalla (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel D Sreeram Kumar and Naib Subedar (Honorary) ChheringMutup (Retd) will follow the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers will be 61 Cavalry led by Captain Deepanshu Sheoran. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 01, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.
The Indian Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, eight mechanised columns, six marching contingents and fly-past by Rudra and Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation.
Indigenously-developed Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP)-II, K-9 VAJRA-T, Dhanush Gun System, newly-inducted five-metre Short Span Bridging System, Sarvatra Bridge System, Transportable Satellite Terminal and Akash weapon system will be the main attraction in the mechanised columns.
The other marching contingents of the Army will include the Parachute Regiment, the Grenadiers Regiment, the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment, the Kumaon Regiment and the Corps of Signals. The Combined Band of the Armoured Corps Centre & School, Madras Engineers Group & Centre and Artillery Regimental Centre, the Combined Band of 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre, 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Kumaon Regimental Centre and Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre will also march past the saluting dais.
Marching for the first time on Republic Day will be the contingent of the Corps of Army Air Defence. It will be followed by The Combined Band of Combined Band of Bengal Engineers Group & Centre, Brigade OF Guards Training Centre, 3 Electronics & Mechanical Engineers Centre and Madras Regimental Centre.
The Naval contingent will comprise of 144 young sailors led by Lieutenant JitinMalkat as Contingent Commander. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau titled ‘Indian Navy – Silent, Strong, and Swift’. The fore part of the tableau showcases the might and fire power of Navy in all three dimensions, while the next part exhibits the Navy’s commitment to nation building.
The Air Force contingent, comprising of 144 air warriors, will be led by Flight Lieutenant Shrikant Sharma. The Air Force tableau showcases scaled down models of the Rafale aircraft, the Tejas aircraft, the Light Combat Helicopter, the Akash Missiles System and the Astra Missiles.
The Veterans’ tableau, marking the recognition and respect to the soldiers’ selfless service to the nation, will showcase the theme ‘Force behind the Force’.
One of the main highlights will be the marching contingent of DRDO that will showcase Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) – Mission Shakti. ASAT (Anti-Satellite) weapons play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence. Mission Shakti, India’s first Anti-Satellite (ASAT) mission, was a major breakthrough in demonstrating the nation’s Anti-Satellite technology. The second equipment of DRDO will be the Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) used for volumetric surveillance, detection, tracking and friend/foe identification of aerial targets of different types and transmission of prioritised target data to multiple command posts/weapon systems.
The Indian Coast Guard marching contingent will be led by Deputy Commandant Gaurav Sharma. The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is ‘VayamRakshamah’ meaning ‘We Protect’.
The contingents of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Police and Border Security Force (BSF) will also march past the saluting dais. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Boys Marching contingent will be led by Commander Junior Under-Officer Charandeep Singh Bhaduria, NCC Directorate Uttar Pradesh, while the Girls contingent will be headed by Senior Under-Officer Shreeshma Hegde, NCC Directorate, Karnataka & Goa. The National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent comprising 148 volunteers will also take part. The Massed Pipes and Drums Band of the Indian Army will also be on display.
Sixteen tableaux from various states/union territories will be showcased during the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country. Six tableaux from different ministries/departments will also be on display, showcasing various far-reaching reforms of the Government including ‘Startup India’, ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojna’ and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’. The glorious past and vibrant future of the Kolkata Port Trust is the theme of the tableau of Ministry of Shipping.
The proud winners of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar will follow in Jeeps. The children were conferred the award for exceptional achievements in the fields of bravery, social service, art and culture, sports, innovation and scholastic. It will be followed by children’s pageant comprising over 600 participants. The cultural show will be led by Arvind Gupta DAV Centenary Public School, Model Town, Delhi on the theme ‘Yog – Vishwa Shakti ki Ore’. ‘The Baul’, a group of mystic minstrels from the historical Bengal region, is the theme of Vinay Nagar Bengali Senior Secondary School, Sarojini Nagar, Delhi. The children from Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya B-Block, JanakPuri, New Delhi will perform on the theme ‘Mharo Rang Rangilo Rajasthan’. West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur will present ‘Garba – the folk dance of Gujarat’.
For the first time, a contingent of women bikers of CRPF will perform daredevil stunts. The contingent will be led by Inspector Seema Nag who will be seen saluting while standing atop a moving motorcycle. The bikers will perform several daring acts on moving bikes before a human pyramid on multiple motorcycles bring up the rear.
The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade, the Fly Past will comprise of the ‘Trishul’ formation by three ALH helicopters. It is for the first time that a “Tri-service Formation” is taking part in the Republic Day Parade. It will be followed by the ‘Vic’ formation of Chinook helicopters, used for airlifting diverse loads to remote locations. Apache helicopters, Dornier aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Netra, an Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft and the ‘Globe’ formation comprising three C-17 Globemasters are some of the other highlights. Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft and five MiG-29 Upgrade Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation will enthral the audience before the exhilarating Trishul manoeuvre by Su-30 MKIs. The parade will culminate with a Su-30 MKI splitting the sky with a breath taking ‘Vertical Charlie’ aerobatic manoeuvre.
The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of balloons.
After a long gap, a contingent of the PARA SF (Special Forces) unit of the Indian Army will be marching down Rajpath this Republic Day. Major Nikhil Maurya and Major Tarun Rathee are the leaders of the ‘hell march’ done by the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment Special Forces during the Republic Day parade. The Special Forces have returned to the parade after a gap of four years. “We are taking part in the Republic Day parade. We will be depicting stealth, speed, specialized equipment and close teamwork during the parade.” – Major Nikhil.
“The Para commandos have been involved extensively in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and the eastern states in India,” Indian Army Spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand.
The war cry of PARA SF while they march on the Rajpath says: “ Tum bharat ke veer ho, Tum apne desh ke rakshak ho. Tu apni himmat badaye ja, jati bhedbhav ko mitaye ja. Kadam Badaye Ja, Piche Hatna kaam nahi, aage badhe ja.“
