New Delhi: As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the national flag and received the customary 21-gun salute at Rajpath in the nation’s capital.
Kovind, escorted by 46 President’s Bodyguards, was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a traditional ‘kurta-pajama’ and sported a special turban from Jamnagar in Gujarat.
After unfurling the national flag, the first formation comprising four Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the 155 Helicopter Unit flew and showered flowers at the Rajpath and guests.
Thereafter, India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress was on display at the majestic Rajpath.
Although curtailed with a shorter route, the Republic Day parade this time had many firsts besides the coronavirus safety measures, like the Ladakh and Covid-19 tableaus, and a Rafale flight that became the talking points.
Representing India’s strides in indigenous defense technologies, DRDO contingent this year consisted of two tableaux depicting Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Take off from INS Vikramaditya. Indian Army displayed the main battle Tank T-90 Bhishma, infantry combat vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-II) — Sarath, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system, and others.
Made-in-India vaccines
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the global community at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he highlighted India’s successes against the Covid-19 pandemic. He also said that the world will soon see more made-in-India vaccines.
“Two India-made vaccines have already been introduced to the world and many more vaccines will be made available from India,” he said while addressing the Davos Dialogue virtually.
Talking about the nationwide vaccination program, which he said is the world’s biggest, PM Modi said that India vaccinated over 23 lakh health care workers in 12 days. The program was inaugurated by him on January 16.
The Prime Minister further said that India was able to save a majority of its population after predictions from some people that said 70-80 crore people will be infected by the coronavirus disease.
