"New Delhi: India celebrates its 59th Republic Day on Saturday. It was on January 26, 1950, that the Constitution of India came into force and the country declared itself a Republic.
The date was officially chosen as Republic Day because it was on January 26, 1930, that the Indian National Congress symbolically declared Poorna Swaraj, or complete independence from Britain.
The grand Republic Day Parade in New Delhi started at 0930 hrs IST on Saturday morning from Raisina Hills near the Rashtrapati Bhavan in and made its way to the Red Fort.
A multi-layer security ring was put in place at Rajpath where Pratibha Patil, the country's first woman President, unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute of marching contingents.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the chief guest at the parade, in which the defence forces showcased their latest weaponry. The indigenously developed T-90 battle tanks, the Indian version of cruise missile Brahmos and surface-to-surface missile Agni were the among the arms on display...." - Source: IBNLive.com
"The 59th Republic Day Parade Saturday will go down in history for more ways than one. Not only did President Pratibha Patel become the first woman to take the salute, the event also served to sharply contrast the mannerisms of Patil and her predecessor, APJ Abdul Kalam.
Given his bubbly nature, Kalam would invariably interact animatedly with the foreign guest of honour who would be seated on the president's right.
Last year, when Russian President Vladimir Putin was the chief guest, Kalam excitedly pointed to the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that India and Russia have jointly developed as it rolled past the saluting dais...." - Source: Hindustan Times
"New Delhi: A grand parade showcasing India's military might, vibrant economy and rich diversity marked the 59th Republic Day here Saturday, with President Pratibha Patil becoming the first woman to take the salute.
From early morning, a mass of humanity thronged Rajpath, the magnificent two-mile boulevard that stretches from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate war memorial, and also all the way to the Mughal Red Fort in Old City to witness the 105-minute event on one of the coldest Republic Days in recent memory.
Swathed in woollens of all varieties, from Patil's beige-coloured long coat to jackets, shawls and even blankets, the spectators watched in awe as war machines like tanks rolled down along with marching contingents of the three wings of the military, paramilitary forces, colourful floats and school students.... - Source: Indiainfo.com
India's 59th Republic Day - Fast Facts
President Pratibha Patil becoming the first woman to take the salute at Republic Day Events
President Pratibha Patel become the first woman to take the salute at Republic day parade at an event in which nearly 7,000 men, women and school students took part in the parade
French President Nicolas Sarkozy - Guest of Honor at India's 59th Republic Day Parade on his maiden visit to India
Event was watched keenly by French President Sarkozy, the guest of honour who arrived here Friday on his maiden visit to India that included a quick trip to the Taj Mahal.
India's Historic 59th Republic Day Videos Pictures Photos Wallpapers Images
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