26 January Republic Day 2014 Celebration Thread

[arnabmit]

Happy Republic Day!

However the parade seemed to have very less participants this year. No missiles showcased apart from Brahmos, OSA, Helina & Astra. I thought we would see Agni series, Shourya, Prithvi, AAD, PAD, PDV, Namica, Akash, Nirbhay and so many others

IA showcased T-90 & T-72, but omitted Arjun MkI. DRDO did showcase Arjun MkII

I was even expecting Pinaka, Dhanush, Catapult(Arjun) and models of DRDO 155x52.

Also I thought we would see flotilla of Vikramaditya, MiG-29K, Kolkata Class, Kamorta class, etc.

Also missing was Dhruv, Rudra & LCH, as well as models of LOH, IMRH, MTA.

Kudos to those who performed, but so many Indian platforms were missing...

 

[Free Karma]

Guys No missiles because of this:

Agni-V not to be part of Republic Day parade | The Indian Express

Japan, the only country to have suffered an atom bomb, is extremely sensitive to display of nuclear weapons

 

[Blackwater]

As usual defence minister came in ambassdor

 

[Neil]

Left, right, right, left"¦ Military out of step


Ground control to air force control: Delay by 10 minutes.

Ground control to air force control: Sorry. Delay by three minutes.

Ground control to air force control: Sorry again. Delay by four minutes.

Too"¦ whoosh"¦ late!

Thank god, it was a parade dress rehearsal and not a bombing run. Over and out.

New Delhi, Jan. 23: The army is too slow and the air force too fast on Rajpath.

Father Time sired a spat between the army and the air force at the full dress rehearsal today for the final show of the Republic Day parade slated for Sunday, January 26.

The Indian Air Force aircraft for the flypast flew over Rajpath even before the last of the contingents in the parade had marched down. In the precision drill, the main flypast is expected to unfold in the sky after the last soldier had marched past the salute podium on the ground.

In a comedy of errors that marked the rehearsal, the army has blamed the air force, the air force has blamed the army, and the army has in turn blamed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that, it said, was tardy with its tableaux (as with its projects).

All of this is happening at a time when "synergisation" and "joint operations" are the buzzwords for the Indian military forces. The army's directorate of ceremonies and welfare is the nodal agency for the Republic Day parade.

The air force chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, has now called for the audio-visual footage to find out what went wrong.

"Thank God for the full dress rehearsal. Now we know what to do and what not to do," said an army officer. But he admitted that the full dress rehearsal, to which many are invited, was usually much better than what it was today.

The army's Delhi Area chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Rajbir Singh, said after the rehearsal that the air force aircraft for the flypast flew in too quickly over Rajpath.

Singh is the deputy to the parade commander, Lt Gen. Subroto Mitra, the general-officer-commanding Delhi Area.

But sources in the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force said the army was too slow and that its ground-controller, who would communicate with the operations room of the air force, "had lost his cool and did not seem to know what instructions to relay".

The logistics of the annual Republic Day parade are complex but with the year-on-year show, the armed forces have standard operating procedures. The procedures call for precision in timing that begin with the departure of the President from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the saluting base for the 90-minute ceremony that climaxes with the flypast by the Indian Air Force's aircraft.

Like the contingents on the ground, the IAF also involves aircraft based in Ambala, Jodhpur and even as far as Pune. The aircraft are varied and fly at different speeds —from the slow Mi-17 helicopters to the large C-17 Globemaster III to the supersonic combat planes such as the Sukhoi 30Mki. (They fly subsonic in the flypast.)

At the rehearsal today, the ground-controller told air force control that the parade was delayed by 10 minutes because some of the contingents had not kept the pace. The IAF fleet that was "orbiting" west of Delhi was asked to therefore slow down and fly over Rajpath 10 minutes later than the time given to them in the original schedule.

Air force sources said a second message from the control was relayed. This time they were told that the delay was just three minutes. The aircraft went out of orbit and set course for Rajpath with three Dhruv helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps in 'Vic' formation in the lead and a Su-30Mki at the tail for the enthralling 'Vertical Charlie' (a steep climb upwards).

Air force control got a third message to delay by four minutes, the sources said. This was impossible because the aircraft had already set course. As a result, the aircraft flew over Rajpath even as the last of the marching contingents had not gone past the saluting base. The result was that the commentators and the viewing public and the media that are to telecast the event live were confused.

Air Chief Marshal Raha asked for the audio-visual footage later in the day. An army officer said the DRDO contingent had caused the confusion because its tableaux were not being driven at the speed that had been determined for the parade. The DRDO is displaying the Tejas light combat aircraft (30 years in the making), an improved version of the Arjun Main Battle Tank (25 years in the making) and tableaux of the "Astra" (likely to be test-fired next month) and "Helina" missiles and unmanned aerial systems (none of which has been inducted in the armed forces or is operational). The army is now considering asking the DRDO to reduce the number of its exhibits.


Left, right, right, leftÂ… Military out of step

 

[tramp]

But the Enola Gay and Bocksar that carried the Little Boy and the Fat Man were aircraft!!

Guys No missiles because of this:

Agni-V not to be part of Republic Day parade | The Indian Express

 

[PredictablyMalicious]

How many poor people could be fed with he amount spent at these frivolous parades? Not trying to be a debbie downer but really, collective introspection is the need of the hour.

 

[pmaitra]

How many poor people could be fed with he amount spent at these frivolous parades? Not trying to be a debbie downer but really, collective introspection is the need of the hour.

No wonder you cannot relate to Indians.

 

[Kunal Biswas]

And this, Even the commentator was a arms dealer ..

WTF i was watching parade on ABP news and the commentator who was some retired armored core officer was bullshitting about arjun when DRDO weapons came up on parade He was like " i have commanded tank regiment my self and if given a chance to select between Arjun MK2 and T90 for going into war i would always select T90 for sure "

 

[tramp]

I doubt if we should always be using the yardstick of mouths fed for all actions of the state. There are so many events that may be done away with only at the risk of weakening the nationhood.

How many poor people could be fed with he amount spent at these frivolous parades? Not trying to be a debbie downer but really, collective introspection is the need of the hour.

 

[tramp]

Without keeping those parasites at bay India's indigenous defense research and development will never progress.

And this, Even the commentator was a arms dealer ..

 

[vram]

I doubt if we should always be using the yardstick of mouths fed for all actions of the state. There are so many events that may be done away with only at the risk of weakening the nationhood.

Tramp ..he is yanking your chain(figuratively ofcourse . Njoy the show buddy thats it

 

[Free Karma]

Full text of President Pranab Mukherjee's address - The Times of India

President Pranab Mukherjee addressed the nation on the eve of the 65th Republic Day. Following is the text of the President's address on the occasion:

My Fellow Citizens,

On the eve of 65th Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to all of you in India and abroad. I convey my special greetings to members of our Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Internal Security Forces.

The Republic Day commands the respect of every Indian. On this day, sixty four years ago, in a remarkable display of idealism and courage, we the people of India gave to ourselves a sovereign democratic republic to secure all its citizens justice, liberty and equality. We undertook to promote among all citizens fraternity, the dignity of the individual and the unity of the nation. These ideals became the lodestar of the modern Indian State. Democracy became our most precious guide towards peace and regeneration from the swamp of poverty created by centuries of colonial rule. From within the spacious provisions of our Constitution, India has grown into a beautiful, vibrant, and sometimes noisy democracy. For us, the democracy is not a gift, but the fundamental right of every citizen; for those in power democracy is a sacred trust. Those who violate this trust commit sacrilege against the nation.

Some cynics may scoff at our commitment to democracy but our democracy has never been betrayed by the people; its fault-lines, where they exist, are the handiwork of those who have made power a gateway to greed. We do feel angry, and rightly so, when we see democratic institutions being weakened by complacency and incompetence. If we hear sometimes an anthem of despair from the street, it is because people feel that a sacred trust is being violated.

Fellow Citizens,

Corruption is a cancer that erodes democracy, and weakens the foundations of our state. If Indians are enraged, it is because they are witnessing corruption and waste of national resources. If governments do not remove these flaws, voters will remove governments.

Equally dangerous is the rise of hypocrisy in public life. Elections do not give any person the licence to flirt with illusions. Those who seek the trust of voters must promise only what is possible. Government is not a charity shop. Populist anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance. False promises lead to disillusionment, which gives birth to rage, and that rage has one legitimate target: those in power.

This rage will abate only when governments deliver what they were elected to deliver: social and economic progress, not at a snail's pace, but with the speed of a racehorse. The aspirational young Indian will not forgive a betrayal of her future. Those in office must eliminate the trust deficit between them and the people. Those in politics should understand that every election comes with a warning sign: perform, or perish.

I am not a cynic because I know that democracy has this marvellous ability to self-correct. It is the physician that heals itself, and 2014 must become a year of healing after the fractured and contentious politics of the last few years.

My Fellow Citizens,

The last decade witnessed the emergence of India as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The slowdown of our economy in the last two years can be some cause for concern but none for despair. The green shoots of revival are already visible. The agricultural growth in the first half of this year has touched 3.6 per cent and rural economy is buoyant.

2014 is a precipice moment in our history. We must re-discover that sense of national purpose and patriotism, which lifts the nation above and across the abyss; and back on to the road of prosperity. Give the young jobs and they will raise the villages and cities to 21st century standards. Give them a chance and you will marvel at the India they can create.

This chance will not come if India does not get a stable government. This year, we will witness the 16th General Election to our Lok Sabha. A fractured government, hostage to whimsical opportunists, is always an unhappy eventuality. In 2014, it could be catastrophic. Each one of us is a voter; each one of us has a deep responsibility; we cannot let India down. It is time for introspection and action.

India is not just a geography: it is also a history of ideas, philosophy, intellect, industrial genius, craft, innovation, and experience. The promise of India has sometimes been mislaid by misfortune; at other times by our own complacence and weakness. Destiny has given us another opportunity to recover what we have lost; we will have no one to blame but ourselves if we falter.

Fellow Citizens,

A democratic nation is always involved in argument with itself. This is welcome, for we solve problems through discussion and consent, not force. But healthy differences of opinion must not lead to an unhealthy strife within our polity. Passions are rising over whether we should have smaller states to extend equitable development to all parts of a state. A debate is legitimate but it should conform to democratic norms. The politics of divide and rule has extracted a heavy price on our subcontinent. If we do not work together, nothing ever will work.

India must find its own solutions to its problems. We must be open to all knowledge; to do otherwise would be to condemn our nation to the misery of a stagnant mire. But we should not indulge in the easy option of mindless imitation, for that can lead us to a garden of weeds. India has the intellectual prowess, the human resource and financial capital to shape a glorious future. We possess a dynamic civil society with an innovative mindset. Our people, whether in villages or cities, share a vibrant, unique consciousness and culture. Our finest assets are human.

Fellow Citizens,

Education has been an inseparable part of the Indian experience. I am not talking only of the ancient institutions of excellence like Takshashila or Nalanda, but of an age as recent as the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, our higher educational infrastructure consists of over 650 universities and 33,000 colleges. The quality of education has to be the focus of our attention now. We can be world leaders in education, if only we discover the will and leadership to take us to that pinnacle. Education is no longer just the privilege of the elite, but a universal right. It is the seed of a nation's destiny. We must usher in an education revolution that becomes a launching pad for the national resurgence.

I am being neither immodest, nor beating a false drum, when I claim that India can become an example to the world. Because, the human mind flourishes best when it is, as the great sage Rabindranath Tagore said, free from fear; when it has the liberty to roam into spheres unknown; in search of wisdom; and when the people have the fundamental right to propose as well as oppose.

My Fellow Citizens,

There will be a new government before I speak to you again on the eve of our Independence Day. Who wins the coming election is less important than the fact that whosoever wins must have an undiluted commitment to stability, honesty, and the development of India. Our problems will not disappear overnight. We live in a turbulent part of the world where factors of instability have grown in the recent past. Communal forces and terrorists will still seek to destabilize the harmony of our people and the integrity of our state but they will never win. Our security and armed forces, backed by the steel of popular support, have proved that they can crush an enemy within; with as much felicity as they guard our frontiers. Mavericks who question the integrity of our armed services are irresponsible and should find no place in public life.

India's true strength lies in her Republic; in the courage of her commitment, the sagacity of her Constitution, and the patriotism of her people. 1950 saw the birth of our Republic. I am sure that 2014 will be the year of resurgence.

Jai Hind!"

Interesting speech!

 

[TrueSpirit1]

Please post his pic after he is awarded.

Ceremony is done & he said would e-mail the pics shortly after reaching his home-base. Will post anytime.

 

[Singh]

How many poor people could be fed with he amount spent at these frivolous parades? Not trying to be a debbie downer but really, collective introspection is the need of the hour.

Facetious argument. "Collective introspection" and "Money Spent" are completely separate topics.

 

[PredictablyMalicious]

Facetious argument. "Collective introspection" and "Money Spent" are completely separate topics.

The thread of democracy connects these two seemingly separate topics?

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Suggest you need to keep your views at bay as this thread is abt 26th republic day ..

If you have picture to post or talk abt Parade, Will be appreciated ..

The thread of democracy connects these two seemingly separate topics?

 

[vram]

Guys please dont feed the troll. @atheisthindu I dont like stereotyping people but that is what you have been doing here. Please take it to the society threads and discuss to your hearts content.
The Below image is what represents the Republic Day for me. I watch the TV for this.
The gent there is a Ashok Chakra winner and retired now. But look at his gaze and the pride in the posture of his old body. I might cross him in the street without giving a second look for a man who fought the enemies of our country for us. But today he gets his due... Today these people are the Pram veer and Ashok Chakra. Not some tom dick and harry...

And last but not the least...living legend Yogendar yadav..man literally took multiple bullets to his body and balls and lived to scale a mountain and charge the pakis..epic

 

[pmaitra]

@vram, yes I saw him and good catch. Really, this man looks like the proudest man in the entire ceremony. Gotta respect such great men. It shows in the body language.

 

[feathers]

65th Republic Day celebrated across India


Highlights of Republic Day parade:

11:39 am: Hercules formations flying past the Rajpath.

11:39 am: Flagmarch formations by the Border Security Force saying 'saare jahan se acha hindustan humara'.

11:08 am: Chandigarh tableau showcases the city's famous Rock Garden.

11:01 am: Tableau from Karnataka showcases the legend of Tipu Sultan.

10:45 am: Japanese PM witnesses India's Republic Day parade

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday keenly witnessed the Republic Day parade at which he was the chief guest.

Dressed in a dark suit and sporting a striped yellow and black tie, Abe arrived at the saluting base on the Rajpath boulevard along with President Pranab Mukherjee, and was welcomed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He was introduced to the three service chiefs and other dignitaries before taking his place to Mukherjee's right on the saluting dias.

The President's Bodyguard thereafter formed up, the tricolour was unfurled and the national anthem played before the general officer commanding of Delhi area, Lt Gen Subroto Mitra, rolled down the Rajpath to signal the start of the parade.

10:30 am: Camel regiment of Border Security Force perform during the Republic Day parade

10:15 am: Army showcases T-90 Bheeshma tank column led by Captain Akash Majumdar.

10:09 am: AP inspector Prasad Babu conferred Ashok Chakra.

10:05 am: President Pranab Mukherjee unfurls the national flag.

10:01 am: President Pranab Mukherjee arrives at Rajpath escorted by bodyguards.

09:58 am: PM Manmohan Singh arrives at the saluting dais and is meeting the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

09:45 am: Two minute silence being observed at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

09:35 am: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to pay homage to the martyrs.

India is celebrating its 65th Republic Day on Sunday. Ahead of the parade, a multi-layer security blanket has been thrown around the capital with thousands of armed personnel set to keep a tight vigil to thwart any possible terror strike or any untoward incident during the celebrations.

More than 20,000 armed personnel have been deployed to keep a tight vigil from ground to air during the parade, which will showcase India's military might and cultural diversity.

SWAT teams of Delhi Police, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of National Security Guard have been deployed at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos are keeping a close watch along the Republic Day parade route.

The parade ceremony will start at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lead the nation in paying homage to the martyrs.

Vehicular movement on the parade route has also been restricted from 4 am on Sunday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is the chief guest of the Republic Day parade. PM Manmohan Singh, President Pranab Mukherjee and a host of other political leaders will be at the Rajpath near India Gate for the parade.

"More than 125 buildings around Rajpath were sealed by Delhi Police on January 25. Subsequently, rooftop surveillance will be conducted to keep subversive activities at bay," Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Mukesh Kumar Meena said.

Delhi Police has put up posters of wanted terrorists of major terror and militant organisations at public places in the city so that they can be identified by the people and nabbed if they try to enter Delhi.

Snipers with sophisticated arms and binoculars were on rooftops while hundreds of police personnel kept watch on the 8-km-long parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort.

Security personnel have identified vulnerable spots like crowded markets, railway stations, bus stands and other high-value establishments and efforts have been made to secure them. Traffic police have deployed around 1,500 personnel to manage route diversions during the parade.

{mosimage}Patrolling in public places has been intensified and checking and frisking in metro, railway stations and bus terminals tightened.

A central monitoring centre has also been established where CCTV footage from around 160 CCTV cameras installed on the stretch will be relayed live and top officials will constantly review the security detail in real time. Those on ground will also keep them abreast about the situation.

- With agency inputs

65th Republic Day celebrated across India : North, News - India Today

 

[Mad Indian]

India will be again reunited. Screw 2 nation theory.

TNT is the best thing that happened to India.

Happy republic day folks :dancemasti: