'Tornadoes', aircraft steal the show

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JAN. 26. Vignettes of India's military prowess, cultural diversity and economic growth were showcased today as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President K.R. Narayanan, took the salute at the Republic Day Parade down Rajpath here.

The parade, commemorating the 52nd Republic Day, proceeded from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort under a tight security cover necessitated by threats of militant attacks.

The day started with the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, leading the nation in paying homage to martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

Then, he along with the Vice-President, Mr. Krishan Kant, the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, and the three service chiefs received the President and the Chief Guest, the President of Algeria, Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Following the unfurling of the national flag, playing of the national anthem and the ceremonial 21-gun salute, the parade was heralded by four MI-8 helicopters showering petals. And no sooner had these flying machines disappeared into the distant skies over the imposing India Gate, the marching contingents trooped in.

The Parade was commanded by Major-General V. Bhanot, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Delhi Area. He was followed by the Deputy GOC, Brig. R.L. Singh, who headed the parade from India Gate to Chandni Chowk.

Though no gallantry awards were given away, the packed enclosures had a glimpse of the brave soldiers in the form of the earlier years' winners of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and the pre- Independence Victoria Cross.

A major draw was a display of various weapons and communication systems of the armed forces. The Army brought forth its Main Battle Tank, Arjun, and 155-mm Field Howitzer guns. It also provided a glimpse of the Prithvi missile system, the Tunguska Air Defence Weapon System and the Improved Reporter Radar.

The Air Force demonstrated its pilotless target aircraft, Lakshya, Indra-II Radar, MI-35 helicopter, MiG-21 BIS and Jaguar aircraft. The DRDO-developed Sujav compact communication electronic warfare system and the Safari electronic security system for jamming remote control explosive devices were the other major attractions.

The marching contingents of the defence and para- military forces carried the newly-inducted INSAS 5.56-mm rifles and marched down to the tunes played by their respective bands. For the leader of the Indian Coast Guard contingent, Deputy Commandant M. Venkatesan, it was his 27th consecutive participation in the parade.

The Delhi Police marching contingent, which won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy nine times since 1987, appeared to be eyeing another today, while the Delhi Traffic Police demonstrated its technological progress through three Interceptor Vehicles used for electronic enforcement and surveillance.

The contingents of the National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme preceded the cultural pageant which depicted the progress and rich cultural diversity of India through 29 tableaux of various States, Ministries and departments.

Riding atop caparisoned elephants, children who won this year's National Bravery Awards came waving at all and sundry. Resplendent and enjoying every moment, they led a pageant which witnessed march and dance performances by about 2,300 children.

This cultural event over, the daredevil motorcycle riders of the Army Service Corps, the ``Tornadoes'', breezed past on their bikes displaying acrobatic and balancing skills of high quality. They made an exit with a pyramid formation which wowed everyone.

A breathtaking fly-past followed thereafter with a ``Big Boy'' formation by three types of transport aircraft being followed by three Sukhoi-30s in a `Vic' form. Then two sets of Jaguars came in a Shock Wave formation. And as if the best had been kept for the last, the show-stealer was a Vertical Charlie by a Sukhoi-30, which provided a finale that everyone had been waiting for.

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