Republic Day: India showcases military might, cultural diversity

NEW DELHI/BHOPAL/CHENNAI: The nation is celebrating the 67th Republic Day on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements. President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the national flag and took salute of the parade at Rajpath in the national capital.

The Border Security Force's marching contingent ride camels during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2016. AFP

New Delhi/Bhopal/Chennai, January 26

The nation is celebrating the 67th Republic Day on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements. President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the national flag and took salute of the parade at Rajpath in the national capital.

During the function, President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the country's highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami posthumously.

For the first time in the history of Republic Day parade, a 76-member French Army contingent took part.

Military prowess and achievements in different fields, country's diverse cultural and social traditions were showcased during the parade.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti to the martyrs, who laid down their lives in the battlefield for the country. The heads of the three services of Armed Forces also paid their homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh unfurled the national flag at his residence in the national capital.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah hoisted the national flag at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

In Madhya Pradesh, the main function was organised in Bhopal. Governor Ramnaresh Yadav hoisted the tricolour and inspected the parade at the Lal Parade ground in the state capital. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag in Ratlam district headquarters.

Different programmes are being held across the state to mark the occasion. A Bharat Parv programme based on songs, dances and poetry will be organised in all the districts this evening to remember the contribution of martyrs.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs M Venkaiah Naidu hoisted the national flag in Hyderabad. Minister of State of Labour Bandaru Dattatreya and other leaders were also present there at the celebrations.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa unfurled the tricolour in Chennai. Governor K Rosaiah and other government officials were also present.

In view of recent terror attacks in Paris and at the Pathankot air base, stringent security measures have been taken to avoid any untoward incident. — ANI