New Delhi: The January 26 parade at Kartavya Path, Delhi, on Friday commenced with the presentation of India’s highest gallantry award winners, including Param Vir Chakra recipients, and showcased the country’s top weapons systems such as Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG Missile System, Infantry Combat Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle, Pinaka, Weapon Locating Radar System ‘Swathi,’ Sarvatra Mobile Bridging System, Drone Jammer System, and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, among others.
The first contingent leading the Mechanised Column was the 61 Cavalry, led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat, which is the world’s only actively serving Horsed Cavalry Regiment, formed by amalgamating all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’ in 1953.
Following this were 11 Mechanised Columns, 12 marching contingents, and a flypast by Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps. An all-women Tri-Service contingent, led by Captain Sandhya of Military Police, marked its debut on Kartavya Path, accompanied by an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent.
The army marching contingents included The Madras Regiment, The Grenadiers, Rajputana Rifles, Sikh Regiment, and the Kumaon Regiment.
The Indian Navy contingent, named Agniveers, depicted ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation’ in their Naval Tableau.
The Indian Air Force contingent, themed ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar,’ showcased LCA Tejas, Su-30 flying over the Indian Ocean Region, and a C-295 transport aircraft flown by women aircrew.
