Amid ripples of patriotic exuberance marked with the usual pomp and pageantry, a strong and burgeoning India has celebrated its 63^rd Republic with a stirring display of the country’s military prowess and alluring air power, and a touch of its rich and diverse cultural heritage.This year the highlight of the day late last month, which commemorates the proclamation of India as a Republic in 1950, was the unveiling of India’s latest military ordnance acquisition - the C-130-J Super Hercules tactical aircraft and the 3,000 kms range Agni-IV missile, which has nuclear proficiencies and is capable any of the country’s neighbors.

This year, in what the Indian media describes as the year of many ‘firsts,’ Thai’s Prime Minister, the stylish 44-year old Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, who is the first and youngest ever prime minister to hold public office, was the chief guest at the event which saw the first the first air force contingent led by a woman in the history of the Republic Day parade.

It was also the first time that the world’s largest democracy displayed its ever first unmanned air craft, the RUSTOM–1, technically referred to as a medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (Male UAV). The aircraft, which had been under surveillance recorded 8 successful test missions in December 2011 and its reputed to have surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities – just like its American counterparts, the drones.

Of so much significance is the day to the people of India that the state spends a great many days and expenses to see that every detail – from the military uniforms and drills, to the performances by traditionalists - is well taken care of. Prior to its commencement, the country’s Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti - the India Gate as a way of paying tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the freedom movement and succeeding wars. The soldiers are then accorded two minutes of silence.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister unfurls the Indian National flag as the national anthem plays and the traditional 21-gun salute accorded to fallen heroes is given. Then, in recognition of outstanding services, national commendations or grants are awarded, just before Armed Forces regiments start their matching drills.

The President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valor in different situations. The parade, much like celebrations observed during our local national holidays, has contingents of marching soldiers and is known to end with flypasts salutations by the Indian Air force aircrafts.

In the celebrations, which are often broadcasted live on national radio and television, floats, music and moving exhibits depicting the diverse cultures of various states also match in the grand parade. Each of the displays vastly differ from each other, bringing out the richness of the culture of India and the whole show gives the day a jovial aura.

At the end of it all, a beating ceremony – an ancient military ritual used to summon soldiers back to their camps, is what officially denotes the end the day’s festivities.Performed by the three units of the Indian military – the Army, Navy and Airforce, the ceremony is conducted on the third day after the Republic Day, on the evening of January 29. It is presided over by the president of India who asks the military for a national salute, followed by the national anthem and then unfurling of the flag.

Since 1950 – just three years after its independence, India has been hosting the heads of states of different countries as the Republic Day’s guest of Honor. Last year, the Indonesian President was the chief guest.

By RONALD BERA