India on Friday celebrated its 69th Republic Day as the Rajpath, the capital’s main promenade, came alive with march pasts and colourful tableaux to showcase the country’s military might, cultural legacy and its initiatives, with 10 ASEAN leaders as chief guests watching the proceedings. The parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay homage to the fallen soldier. President Ram Nath Kovind took his first Republic Day salute from various wings of the Indian Army, the Air Force and the Navy. India for the first time in its history of republic hosted 10 heads of state or government of the ASEAN countries as guests of honour for the annual parade. Earlier, Kovind presented the Ashok Chakra – India’s highest peace-time gallantry award – to Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala’s widow and mother. The 31-year-old IAF commando was killed in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir last year that also led to the killing of six terrorists. The parade was commanded by Lt. General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Headquarters Delhi Area. Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area was the parade second-incommand.
Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/
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