Republic Day full dress rehearsal takes place

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) Delectable columns of disciplined marchers, impressive getaways by school children and majestic displays by defence forces gave this year's Republic Day Parade full dress rehearsal, held today, its old sheen and pristine grandeur it is known for.

The Parade, which began from Rajpath culminated at the historic Red Fort with its trademark pomp and spunk.

Providing 'colour' to the parade were about 1,200 children from various schools of Delhi showcasing the country's cultural diversity.

While the Indian Air Force introduced the indigenously developed radar 'Indra II' and UAV 'Searcher II', along with a contingent of 148 airmen, for the Indian Army GOC Delhi Major General P C Bhardwaj led its contingent along with a 'maharaja' from Malaysia who led its '61 Cavalry' -- the world's only horse mounted unit.

The Army contingent also had nine mechanised columns, eight marching contingents and two tableaux.

The 144-member tableau of the Indian Navy, highlighting various facets of 'Network Centric Operations' participated in the Parade carrying the message -- '2007 : Year of Networking for Efficiency and Combat Power'.

Models of its newer acquisitions -- 'Talwar' ship, 'IL-38' aircraft and 'Scorpene' submarine -- which form the Navy's punch, were also part of its 'contingent.

Besides these were 21 children who are to receive the 'National Bravery Awards' for 2006.

Even as public inconvenience, due to traffic jams and diversions, spilled into city's lanes and bylanes the marching columns of the armed forces, police, para-military forces and ex-servicemen showcased the country's military might and cultural diversity.

Accompanying the marching columns were mounted and mechanised columns including equipment from the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Also on display were 26 tableaux from 18 States and Union Territories, and various ministries and departments.

UNI