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At Republic Day Parade, a look at the many firsts
A contingent of women bikers of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will perform daredevil stunts for the first time
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Celebrations for the 71st Republic Day began on Sunday in the national capital with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in attendance as the chief guest.
India’s military and cultural might was on display at the parade that saw many firsts.
Twenty-two tableaux – 16 from states and Union territories and six from various ministries and departments – depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress also rolled down the Rajpath.
Here is a list of the many firsts
1. The ‘Dhanush’ gun system, commanded by Capt. Mrigank Bharadwaj, was part of the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath for the first time on Sunday. The 155mm/45 Caliber Dhanush gun system is a towed Howitzer designed indigenously by the Ordnance Factory Board. The gun with a maximum range of 36.5 km has the capability of automatic gun alignment and positioning.
Also Watch | Captain Tanya Shergill leads all-men marching contingent at Republic Day parade
2. Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the newly built National War Memorial here on the Republic Day for the first time instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti beneath the India Gate arch.
3. Captain Tanya Shergill, a fourth generation officer with the Army’s Corps of Signals, who became the second woman parade adjutant for the Republic Day parade, led an all-men contingent at the march past in Rajpath.
4. Jammu and Kashmir took part in the Republic Day parade for the first time as a Union Territory
5. One of the main highlights was the marching contingent of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that showcased Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) - Mission Shakti. It was a major breakthrough in demonstrating the nation’s capability to bring down hostile satellites.
6. A contingent of women bikers of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) performed daredevil stunts for the first time. Inspector Seema Nag led the contingent and was seen saluting while standing on top of a moving motorcycle.
7. The fly-past – the grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade – saw the ‘Trishul’ formation by three advanced light helicopters.
