Republic Day

According to senior police officials, security was tightened across the state after the Coordination Committee (CorCom) of six major militant outfits called an 18-hour shutdown in the entire state from January 25 midnight to 6 p.m. on January 26. However, no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state till late Tuesday night.

According to sources, the Home Secretary, Director Intelligence Bureau and senior officers of Delhi Police were present at the meeting called to take stock of the security arrangements in Delhi.

Seventeen tableaux from Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Tripura, West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Ladakh were showcased at the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country.

Representing India's strides in indigenous defence technologies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) contingent this year consisted of two tableaux depicting among others Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Take off from INS Vikramaditya.

The 72nd Republic day stamped an important phase in Indian history as many people and important things made its debut. Such as, the all-new Rafale jets were showcased for the first time to the general public at such a scale. Also new was the fact Bhawana Kanth, who was a part of one of the tableau's in the event, got to be one of the first female fighter pilots of India.

A day ahead of the next round of talks with the Union government, thousands of farmers organised a 'tractor march', describing the event as a "rehearsal" for a similar roadshow proposed to take place on Republic Day to show their displeasure with three new central farm laws. The Farmer's Protest has touched a chord with people across the nation.

The 21-gun salute was presented by the Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment that was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitender Singh Mehta. Kovind, escorted by 46 President's Bodyguards raised in 1773 -- on magnificent Bay and Dark Bay coloured mounts, was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a traditional 'kurta-pajama' and sported a special turban from Jamnagar in Gujarat.

Thousands of farmers marched into the national capital on foot and while riding tractors, even as paramilitary forces and Delhi Police personnel kept a wary eye on the evolving situation. A senior police officer said that farmers began their rally before the scheduled time between 12 pm and 5 pm once the "official" Republic Day celebrations was over.

The Guard Commander gave salute while bugles sounded the 'Last Post'. The officers in uniform saluted and others were stood in "attention". After the 'Last Post', a two-minute silence was observed. The buglers sounded the 'Rouse' and the Guard Commander ordered "Salami Shastra" Salute with arms, to mark the completion of the two-minute silence.

The ITBP personnel, including men and women, celebrated the event as the temperature recorded minus 25 degrees Celsius. Also referred to as the ITBP 'Himveers', the personnel raised a full-throated cry: "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Matram".