India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on January 26 with its military might and cultural diversity on full and colourful display. The grand Rajpath saw celebrations amid tight security, and played host to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. President Pranab Mukherjee began the ceremony by hoisting the Indian flag. The parade starts from Rajpath, and ends at Red Fort in New Delhi.
The main highlight of this year's Republic Day parade was a 149-member United Arab Emirates Presidential Guard. It was only the second time since the inaugural procession in 1950, that a foreign army participated in the parade. "The UAE's participation in Republic Day celebrations reflects the depth of our ties which are based on mutual respect and common interests," said Sheikh Mohammed. The Crown Prince and President Mukherjee left for the military parade in a motorcade accompanied by a team of horsemen. National Security Guard snipers were deployed at all high-rises along the parade route and about 60,000 police and military personnel were posted across the city.
Also, for the first time in the history of R-Day celebrations, Black Cat commandos of the elite counter-terror force National Security Guard marched down in full armed gear. Other marching contingents of the Army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Bihar Regiment, the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, and the Madras Engineering Group, the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, 58 Gorkha Training Centre, and the 103 Sikh Light Infantry Battalion from the territorial army. Tableaux from 17 states and six ministries of the Central Government was presented at the Rajpath. Gujarat tableau's central theme remained, "The Art and Lifestyle of Kutch".
Also making a debut, was India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, along with long-range howitzer Dhanush. Three Tejas aircraft went past above the Rajpath in V formation at 780 kmph. Also in the parade were 23 floats, 600 students performing dances, 25 children selected for bravery awards, and dozens of military ground vehicles and aircraft.
Republic Day celebration on Wagah Border
Sweets were exchanged amongst security personnel from India and Pakistan, in a symbolic gesture to assure peace on the border between India and its neighbours. Exchange of sweets also took place between border guards at Indo-Bangladesh border. A BSF official said the troops posted at Indo-Pak border gifted sweets and fruits to Pakistan Rangers personnel. Their commander along with his colleagues accepted the sweets and they shook hands with each other and exchanged pleasantries at Joint Check post of Attari-Wagah border.
White R-Day for Kashmir
Snow could not dampen celebrations across the Valley, as official Republic Day functions took place in different parts of Kashmir. The main event was held at Bakshi Stadium, with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan taking salute at the march past by contingents of police, security forces, and school children. Stringent security arrangements were put in place across Kashmir despite heavy snowfall, to make sure functions were passed off peacefully.
TN puts Jallikattu protests on the back foot
Chief Minister O Panneerselvam led the 68th R-Day celebrations by hoisting the national flag, in a change of tradition as the state does not have a full-time Governor. Panneerselvam unfurled the flag near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Kamarajar Salai, along the Marina Beach. Celebrations were attended by a host of people, including state ministers, MPs, MLAs, and government officials. The CM, along with Lieutenant General RK Anand, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat area, paid homage to soldiers of all three services, by placing a wreath at the Victory War Memorial. Security was tight in the area which had witnessed pro-jallikattu protests just last week. A two minute silence was also observed.
Burj Khalifa Lit Up In Tricolour Honouring India's R-Day
World's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up in saffron, white and green to mark India's Republic Day. The official Twitter account of the building tweeted, "Tonight we celebrate India's 68th Republic Day with a spectacular LED illumination of the Indian National flag on #BurjKhalifa! #India"
The Burj, which stands at 823 metres, was named in honour of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the chief guest at the Rajpath parade.
Padma Awards
A day prior to R-Day, the government announced Padma awards to citizens of the country in recognition to their distinguished contribution in various spheres. These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions usually held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in March/April every year. This year, the President approved conferment of Padma Awards to 89 people, including 7 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan, and 75 Padma Shri awards. Nineteen of the awardees are women. The list also includes 5 persons from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs, and 6 posthumous awardees.
Eight Gujaratis to get Padma Awards
Eight Gujaratis have figured on the long list of Padma awardees declared by the government on January 25, a day prior to the Republic Day. Spiritual guru Ratna Sundar Maharaj will be conferred the Padma Bhushan, while the other six bagged Padma Shris. They include a disabled farmer, two doctors, and a veteran music director.
Padma Bhushan awardee, Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj, 70, is widely known for his spiritual sermons and books written to uplift the society. He has penned over 300 books and was awarded the Golden Book of World Records for writing over 275 books in a single language. His most acclaimed book remains the 'Lakhi Rakho Aaras Ni Takhti Par'- a parental guide which was translated in 20 different languages.
Dr Subroto Das, Padma Shri winner, established a highway accident helpline after surviving a serious highway accident in 2002. Gujarat's first Emergency Medical Service was catalysed in different countries like Sri Lanka. Another doctor on the list is Dr Devendra Patel, an 84 year old surgical oncologist who has contributed immensely in the field of cancer surgery in Gujarat. On hearing the news, he said, "I have received many awards including the Dr BC Roy Award but getting national recognition in form of Padma Shri is a matter of pride." He was director of Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute from 1993 to 2002.
Physically challenged Genabhai Patel is a farmer from Sarkari Goliya village near Banaskantha. He has been conferred the Padma Shri for transforming drought-affected land into profitable pomegranate farms, a task he single-handedly took up. His contribution is vital in turning the border district into one of the largest producers of the fruit, including exports to the Middle East.
Journalist Vishnu Pandya who was jailed for a year during the Emergency, is known for his active participation in Education, Literature, and Journalism. He has spent over 50 years in the media sector and believes his Padma Shri will "increase Gujarat's pride". Purshottam Upadhyay, 83, has given a notable contribution to the music industry, composing pieces for stalwarts like Begum Alhtar and Mohammed Rafi. A proud Gujarati, he said, "The award is the result of my 40 years of perseverance in the field of classical music."
Founder of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, VG Patel has been awarded the Padma Shri for pioneering work in the field of startups in 1970s. Patel who currently works with a consumer education organisation, says he was nominated for the Padma awards thrice in the past. "I had expected the award a decade ago when I was the director of EDII and was also working with the World Bank and other globally renowned financial organisations," he said. Also awarded the Padma Shri this year is US-based well known entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader, Hasmukh Shah. He is the chairman and CEO of TV Asia, and chairman of Bharti Vidyabhavan which promotes Hindi and Indian culture.
