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India today showcased its military, economic and scientific might and cultural diversity with a majestic and colourful parade at the historic Rajpath, marking the country's 58th Republic Day celebrations.
While the parade ceremony commenced under a tight security net at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' at India Gate where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath, President A P J Abdul Kalam unfurled the tri-colour and took the salute at the Rajpath. Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was the chief guest.
The Army contingent, besides the mounted column of 61 Cavalry, also had nine mechanised columns, eight marching contingents and two tableaux. T-72 tanks formed part of its contingent. Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missiles, Bofors, Multi-Barrel Rocket Launching System - Pinaka, Akash and the Weapon Locating Radar were other additions.
Depicting the multi-hued cultural and historical heritage of India were tableaux from 18 states and Union territories; and eight from various ministries and departments.
Goa made a grand entry giving a glimpse of its famed architecture, communal harmony and rural lifestyle. Arunachal Pradesh presented its varied flora and fauna and its unique cane-suspension bridges used to traverse inhospitable terrain. Chhattisgarh exhibited the traditional bell metal artefact-making 'Dokra Art' while Uttarakhand projected its tourism attraction with a depiction of the famed Corbett National Park, the tiger reserve on the foothills of the Himalayas.
Image: (Top) Tableau fron Tripura. (Below): T-72 armoured tanks.
Photographs: Ranjan Basu/Saab Pictures