In a momentous start to the 75th Republic Day celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu took the lead on Friday by unfurling the national flag at Kartavya Path. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received President Murmu upon her arrival at the venue. The event featured the playing of the National Anthem and a striking 21 Gun Salute, executed with the indigenous 105-mm Bharatiya Field Guns.
Traditionally, the National Flag unfurling was followed by the National Anthem and the impactful 21-gun salute, a grand display of military prowess. Notably, President Murmu was accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, this year’s chief guest, and both leaders were escorted by the elite ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak,’ the President’s Bodyguard.
This Republic Day marked a significant milestone for the President’s Bodyguard, as the ‘Angrakshak’ celebrated 250 years of service since its establishment in 1773. Riding in a ‘Traditional Buggy,’ a practice revived after four decades, President Murmu and President Macron were led by Colonel Amit Berwal and Lt Col Ramakant Yadav of the President’s Bodyguard.
Adding a touch of elegance to the celebration, the ‘Traditional Buggy’ was accompanied by a shower of flower petals from four Mi-17 IV helicopters of the 105 Helicopter Unit. Following this spectacle, ‘Aavaahan,’ a band performance featuring over 100 women artists playing various percussion instruments, symbolized the strength of Nari Shakti.
The Ceremonial Battery of 871 Field Regiment (SHINGO) ex HQ 36 Artillery Brigade, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vikas Kumar, SM, presented the impressive 21 Gun Salute with the 105 mm Bharatiya Field Guns. This salute, the highest military honor, was synchronized with the unfurling of the National Flag, the playing of the National Anthem, and the national salute by the President’s Bodyguard.
The President’s Buggy, led by Risaldar Sunder Singh Tanwar on the majestic ARJUN, moved ahead with the unique Airborne Cavalry Regiment, the President’s Bodyguard. The regiment, both the senior-most Cavalry Regiment and the only one of its kind in the world, performs a multitude of roles, including mounted ceremonial duties for the President.
The ceremonial escort, under the command of Colonel Amit Berwal, featured two divisions in front and behind the President’s Buggy. The ‘Nishaan Toli,’ carrying the National Flag and the regiment’s standards, added to the grandeur of the parade.
French President Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest for this Republic Day parade, becomes the fifth French leader to be honored with this distinguished position in Bharat’s celebration of its Republic Day.
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