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The 66th Republic Day was special for Indians for many reasons. This Republic Day, the celebration saw a lot of inclusions and additions of tableaux, a parade of women officers from the armed forces, and the display MiG-29 which was never earlier seen in any previous floats. All-women contingents of the Indian army, navy and air force marching down the Rajpath lane was indeed a moment of pride for citizens. Above all, the presence of the United States President Barack Obama, Republic Day’s chief guest, was the biggest attraction at the event. Indians semed more excited that the US President witnessed the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath. Here’s a look at the Top 5 highlights of this year’s Republic Day Parade at Rajpath:
1. All-women contingent of the Indian armed forces at Republic Day Parade
This year’s Republic Day will also be remembered for the all-women contingent in the parade that showcased women power during the event. Women officers from all the three Indian forces – the Army, Navy and Air Force – marched down Rajpath for the first time. Although women officers have participated in Republic Day Parade before, it is the first time that an all-women contingent of the armed forces participated in the event on January 26. The Army contingent was led by Captain Divya Ajith, the Navy was led by Lieutenant Commander Sandhya Chauhan and the Air Force contingent was led by Squadron Leader Sneha Shekhawat.
2. US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s at Republic Day Parade
It is the first time in the history of India that an American President attended the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi. Although former US presidents have visited India, none have been the chief guest at the event which happens on an important day for India. With the presence of Obama, security was at its peak in the country with all arrangements being made to keep the US President safe. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Obama arrived in different motorcades, a departure from the standard practice of arriving together. Barack and Michelle Obama were seen alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Republic Day 2015: Top 4 reasons why Barack Obama’s visit to India is not just an official trip
3. Anti-submarine aircraft P-8I and air fighter MiG-29 K
The Republic Day Parade was a curtain raiser of the recently acquired long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft P-8I and the advanced air fighter MiG-29 K. The performance of the fighters thrilled everyone on the overcast cloudy day. They were a cherry on the cake of the colourful celebrations that waded through the Rajpath lane on January 26, 2015.
4. Make in India tableau at Republic Day Parade
The tableau of Make in India stole the show at the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath. The logo of Make in India floated through the famous Rajpath road while everyone applauded the effort behind the project. Make in India is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden project that is aimed at development of the nation. Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign: Top 5 quotes from the PM’s Make in India speech
5. Telangana state tableau at Republic Day Parade
Telangana state came into being in June 2014 after being separated from Andhra Pradesh. The newly formed province, the 29th Indian state, made its debut at the Republic Day Parade celebrations. The Telangana float showcased their state’s festival ‘Bonalu’ by portraying the image of Goddess Mahakali and also the Golconda Fort of Hyderabad. Participants danced to musical instruments such as dappu, kommu, tasha and pagadam.Women were dressed in traditional attire portraying their state’s culture.
Edited by Shweta Parande
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