New Delhi: India is celebrating 60 years of becoming a Republic on Tuesday with President Pratibha Patil presiding over the ceremony at Rajpath in New Delhi.
President Pratibha Patil arrived along with the Chief Guest South Korean President Lee Myung Bak at Rajpath escorted by the President's 46 bodyguards on horses.
Even though the capital was enveloped in thick fog yet the military and paramilitary contingents marched perfectly through the Rajpath with President Patil, who is also the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces taking the salute.
The majestic Republic Day ceremony started with the 21 gun salute after which President Patil hoisted the flag.
At about 1000 hrs IST President Patil presented Ashok Chakras to Major D Sreeram Kumar of 30 Assam Rifles, Major Rohit Sharma (posthumous) of 1 Para (Special Forces) and Havildar Rajesh Kumar (Posthumous) of 11th Battalion, The Rajputana Rifles.
The Republic Day parade was led by General officer Commanding, Delhi Area Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Oberoi.
The 21 tableaux, representing 12 states as well as Central Ministries and Departments showcased the nation's culture, art forms, Scientific and technological progress and rich resources.
Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister AK Antony, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and the country's top political and military brass were present to witness the parade.
Before the ceremony at Rajpath the Prime Minister and the three Service Chiefs paid homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
There has been tight security across all major Indian cities. Security has been put on highest alert in the capital, Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.
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