French troops create history marching down Rajpath

India’s military prowess and multi-hued images of the country’s rich cultural diversity and achievements in various fields were on display at the majestic Rajpath during 67th Republic Day parade which was graced by French President Francois Hollande as the chief guest. 

Hollande was seated between President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wore a marigold coloured ‘safa’ (turban). Modi was seen explaining things to Hollande on several occasions during the one-and-ahalf-hour-long event. This year the duration of the parade had been curtailed from more than two hours to 90 minutes. 

Apart from India’s missile firing capability T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, Smerch Launcher Vehicles, the highlights of the parade included a canine squad. After a gap of 26 years, an Army dog squad drawn from the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) took part, along with their handlers. 

The synchronised military and police contingents led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi), Lt General Rajan Ravindran marched proudly to the lilting tunes of the bands through Rajpath where Mukherjee, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, took the salute from a specially erected dais. 

Earlier, Hollande, who is on a three-day state visit, arrived with Mukherjee and was received by Modi who introduced him to the three services chiefs — Army, Air Force and Navy. 

National Bravery Award winning boys and girls drew applause from the audience at the parade for having saved lives in grave situations. As 23 out of the 25 award winners were driven in a jeep at the parade, the spectators clapped and cheered them for their courageous feats. 

Thousands of people on both sides of the imposing Rajpath braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the marching contingents and tableaux went past them. The national capital was brought under unprecedented security blanket.