NEW DELHI: India’s rich and diverse culture of millennia and its modem military prowess were displayed at the customary color full parade at the Capitals Rapath to mark the 43rd Republic Day celebrations Monday amidst unprecedented security measures.

The President Vankatana man unfurled he nation flag to the boom of a21-gun salute signaling the star of the show.

But before the pomp and show got underway in a touching award giving ceremony Ritu Shankla widow of Capt Sandeep Shankla of 18 Dogra Regiment who was Killed last August while fighting militants in Kashmir received Ashok Chakra from the Presiden.

Witnessing the parade was the chief guest Dr. Mario Soares President of Portugal the Vice: President Dr.Shankar Dayal Sharma the Prime Minister P.V Narasimha Rao his Cabinet colleagues and three service chief.

Sonia Gandhi and a former Prime Minister VP Singh were among a host of other dignitaries and members of the Capitals diplomatic corps who watched the parade.

A glorious sun poured golden sheen over the majesties Rajpath and the tricolor fluttered in gentle breeze as tanks and armored vehicles began rolling down at the start of the 98-minute parade.

“The mechanized column was truncated as part of the austerity drive and he duration of be parade was reduced by about 15 minutes. “There was no fighter aircraft on display on the ground.

A special feature of this year’s parade was a set of three naval tableaux showing the first of the three classes of submarines Foxtrot Kilo and HDW multi-skilled marine commandos atop a float and unique tableau depicting various adventure activities of the Indian Air Force.

Heavy security arrangements were in the wake of the militant threats of disrupts republic Day celebrations in the Capital. The police and paramilitary forces were deployed to provide security cover along the 11-km route of the Parade from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort.

Before the celebrations began the Prime Minister drove to India Gate to pay tributes to the Unknown Soldier at the Amar Jawan Jyoti After Rao placed a wreath at the memorial buglers sounded the last Post. A two-minute silence was also observed.

A sea of humanity which converged on Rajpath was like in the past few years denied the treat of the fly past by air craft of the Indian Air.

Leading the parade was Delhi’s General Officer Commanding Major-Gen Satish Chander Kashyap in an open jeep. From India gate to Red Fort the parade was led by Brig MN Kuttaya Deputy General Officer Commanding Delhi.

Following the parade commander in jeeps were the proud winners of the highest gallantry awards. They included the winners of Param Vi Chakra Ashok Chakra and Victoria Cross.

Leading the army contingents was the mounted column of 61 Cavalry the only surviving horse cavalry regiment in the world.

The rumble of T-72 and T-55 tanks was soon heard as 67th and T3rd Armored Regiments dipped their turret guns in salute 10 the President.

The tanks were followed by the latest 105-mm light field guns from the elite 113 Field Regiment and the 155-mm Bofors guns of 230 Medium Regiment.

The contingent of 214 Rocket Regiment displaying 122-mm multi bar polled drove past the saluting base.

The OSA-AK surface to air missile system was the next troll down. The weapon system is capable of destroying the most modem aircraft with ranges up to 10km.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 7, 1992