Majestic display of economic and military might at R-Day Parade

New Delhi, Jan 26 (UNI) India today showcased its economic, scientific and military might and cultural diversity with a grand 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 tricolour and took the salute at the Rajpath.

As the Chief Guest at the 58th Republic Day, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin watched in rapt attention, Major General P C Bhardwaj, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, commanded the marching contingents of the Armed Forces.

Capt Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, grandson of the Sultan of Malaysian state of Johar, led the mounted column of the Jaipur-based 61st Cavalry.

The Army contingent, besides the mounted column of 61 Cavalry, also had nine mechanised columns, eight marching contingents and two tableaux. Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter of the Army's aviation wing conducted a flypast.

T-72 tanks, fitted with Thermal Imaging Stand Alone Sight (TISAS), Tactical Control Reporter Radar, Mobile Decontaminatiom Station, Mobile Base Transceiver Station and the Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) on mobile mode formed part of its contingent.

Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missiles, Bofors, Multi-Barrel Rocket Launching System - Pinaka, Indigenous PMS Bridge vehicle, BMP-II with TISAS, Bridge Laying Tanks, Ex-Tanks, NAG, Akash and the Weapon Locating Radar were its other additions.

The Parachute Regiment Contingent and tableaux of Remount and Veterinary Corps and World Military Games 2007, besides five band contingents to provide music, were also part of its display.

Featuring 'sports' for the first time in its Defence pageantry, 'Bravo' -- the mascot for the 4th CISM World Military Games 2007 -- was also displayed in the Army's tableau along with other sports disciplines like judo, wrestling and football. Around 127 countries will participate in the Games, being hosted by India this year at Mumbai and Hyderabad.

UNI