REPUBLIC DAY PARADE 2014

SPECTATORS MOOD CHANGING PERSPECTIVE OF TABLEAUX

BY SARATAPE RAVIRAJ DATTATRAYA

(TEAM RAJDOOT)

To mark the importance of the Republic Day, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), along the Rajpath, past India Gate. Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate at one end of Rajpath, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of unknown soldiers. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defence of sovereignty of their country. Comprising over 25 marching and mounted contingents, various military vehicles, 20 military bands, 30 cultural tableaux and 30 aircraft in addition to cultural performers and 1200 schoolchildren, India's Republic Day Parade in New Delhi is the most spectacular regular parade in the world. Every part of the country is represented in the parade, which makes the Republic Day parade very popular. We INDIAN INFORMATION SERVICES Probationer Trainees went to see Republic Day Parade. There was only one entry gate. It was difficult to get inside. Huge crowd gathered outside. Everybody wanted to get inside as quickly as possible. There was stampede like situation at the gate. Security personnel were unable to manage the crowd. Half of us were able to enter but half of us were trapped in crowd. People were getting angry. Security personnel somehow managed the crowd. Then there was security check three times. No metal objects were allowed. Finally we were able to reach our destination within time. First, the president unfurled the National flag, as the National Anthem is played, and a 21-gun salute is given as the PBG renders the National Salute. Then Ashok Chakra was awarded to Shri Prasad Babu(posthumous). His father accepted the award. People showcased patriotic feeling by standing and applauding during award giving ceremony. People were very much excited to see Indian Armys 61 CAVALRY. Then Indian military displayed their might by showcasing different weaponry like BHEESHMA Tank, PMS Bridging system, SMERCH, BRAHMOS WEAPON SYSTEM. Spectators were happy to see the might of Indian Army and had feeling of security that their borders are secure with Indian Army. Then came Marching Contingents of Indian army. Different regiments like Punjab, Madras, Mahar marched with utmost discipline. Spectators were encouraging them with applaud. Similar was the response for navy and air force and Para military contingent and different tableaux of military and DRDO. Then tableaux of different sates arrived on Rajpath. This time focus was on states which are in far flung region like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya. Also tableau of Naxal affected states like Chhattisgarh was also there. Also some ministries showcased their achievement through tableaux. Then school children of Delhi and Regional Centers performed their dances on Rajpath. Spectators were much excited to see dances like Mahua Jhare, Hega Naga and Rikham Pada. Then motorcycle riders performed their stunts on Rajpath. People were literally on their toes to watch their performances. Defense ministry reserved their best for the last. Air Force presented a stupendous flypast to spectators. Pilots performed thundering aerobatics with professional skills. They showcased different formations like Vic, Globe , Arrowhead and Fulcrum etc. Though people were able to see the air show from their seats but they were so excited that they were standing on their chairs and cheering performers. They were clapping all the time.

In the last National Anthem was played and people departed peacefully. Initial rush was not there to leave the place. May be it was the influence of our military which disciplined the crowd in the last.

***