Grand Parade awaits nation on 58th R-Day

New Delhi, Jan 23: As the nation goes to celebrate its 58th Republic Day tomorrow, an impressive 'Parade', displaying the country's economic and military might, awaits it with the Army, Navy, Air Force and 26 tableaux from 18 States, Union Territories, various ministries and departments chipping in.

The Parade, which begin from Rajpath at 1000 hrs, will end at the historic Red Fort, in a time period of one hour 42 minutes.

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

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

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

The parade will also have about 1,200 children from various schools of Delhi showcasing the country's cultural diversity along with 21 others who received the 'National Bravery Awards' for 2006.

Marching columns of the police, para-military forces and ex-servicemen will showcase the country's military might and cultural diversity.

UNI