India celebrates 70th Republic Day

NEW DELHI - The Indian government on Saturday celebrated the 70th Republic Day amid tight security measures, officials said.

The main function was organized at Rajpath in the capital.

In accordance with the tradition, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the Indian national flag, after which the national anthem was played with a 21-gun salute.

The president saluted the parade and a military flyover.

"A grand parade of forces and a majestic flypast by fighter jets of the air force today marked the 70th Republic Day," an official said. "During the parade, the country's military prowess, state-of-the-art defense platforms, and diverse culture were on full display."

Twenty-two tableaux from the states and federal government depicted various themes and the life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.

The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year was the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gandhi. Gandhi is considered the father of the Indian nation for being at the forefront of the country's independence movement.

During the ceremony, military contingents, police and paramilitary, marched past the podium and children showcased colorful cultural performances.

Several VIPs and foreign dignitaries attended the event. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the Chief Guest at the parade this year. Ramaphosa was accompanied by first lady Tshepo Motsepe and a high-level delegation, including nine ministers, senior officials and a 50-member business contingent.

The parade started from Vijay Chowk and proceeded toward the Red Fort grounds.

For the first time, an all-women marching contingent of the Assam Rifles took part in the parade. Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force active in India's northeast.

The Clean India Movement was one of the themes of the ceremony. The movement, locally named as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, was started in India in 2014. The program seeks to eradicate open defecation which is prevalent in India, by building public toilets and cleaning up public places, among other things related to cleanliness.

India's main battle tanks, the T-90 Bhishma infantry combat vehicle and the K-9 Vajra-T were on display. The US-made M777 Ultra Light Howitzer and Akash weapons system, were also draws.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to greet people on Republic Day.

"Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians," Modi wrote.

"India's military and security prowess at Rajpath. Ours is a land of peace, which has shown the way when it comes to harmony and brotherhood. At the same time, we are fully prepared to give a strong answer to those elements who disturb the atmosphere of peace and spread violence."

Officials said thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in the city to ensure that things went smoothly.

Xinhua

(China Daily 01/28/2019 page11)