Republic Day 2020: PM Modi pays tribute at War Memorial
As the celebrations for India's 71st Republic Day kick-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the fallen Indian soldiers at the National War Memorial. PM Modi laid a wreath at the memorial, where Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria were present. Here's all that's happening.
PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind arrive at Rajpath
After paying tribute at the War Memorial, the PM arrived at Rajpath, where the Republic Day parade will begin soon. The chief guest for the event, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, also arrived at the venue, joined by President Ram Nath Kovind. President Kovind unfurled the National Flag at the venue. This year, 22 tableaux from 16 states will be exhibited at the parade.
R-Day parade led by Lieutenant General Asit Mistry
The parade this year was led by Lieutenant General Asit Mistry. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff Delhi Area, is the second-in-command for the parade. The parade includes the flypast by MI-17 and Rudra armed helicopters. Indian Army Captain Tanya Shergill—who became the first woman to lead an all-male contingent on Army Day earlier this month—will also lead an Army Signal Corps contingent.
Republic Day tableaux roll down Rajpath
This year, the 22 tableaux from several states, union territories, and government departments will be featured at the Republic Day parade. This included the tableau for the newly-created UT of Jammu and Kashmir which showcased the government's 'Back to Village' program. The tableau for CPWD horticulture notably displayed a memorial for Swami Vivekananda Kanyakumari, Kashmir's Dal Lake, and the Shanti Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.
