Republic Day 2023 / President hoisted the tricolor, salute given 21 times with Made in India cannons; 7 Things in Parade for the First Time

Republic Day 2023: President Draupadi Murmu hoisted the tricolor on the path of duty on the 74th Republic Day. He was accompanied by the chief guest, Abdel Fateh Alassi, who was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was followed by the national anthem. During this, for the first time Indian cannons saluted. Till now salute was given from guns made in Britain. With this the parade has started.

Earlier on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the countrymen a happy Republic Day. He then went to the War Memorial and paid homage to the martyrs.

There are 7 things on this republic which are happening for the first time...

1. Indian cannons will give salute instead of cannons made by the British

There is a tradition of giving a 21-gun salute during the national anthem on Republic Day. Till now these salutes were fired from 25-pounder cannons made in Britain, which were also used during the Second World War. Now they will be replaced by 105MM Indian Field Gun made in India. These cannons were made in the gun factories of Jabalpur and Kanpur.

These were designed in 1972 and have been in service since 1984. Major General Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, said that 105MM guns are made in the country, so we want to salute them. It is a matter of pride for us and that is why we will use indigenous cannon.

2. For the first time women officers in BSF's camel troop

For the first time, women officers have been included in the camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Republic Day. The Surface to Air Missile System Akash contingent will be commanded by Lieutenant Chetna Sharma. These will include 3 members of the Army and one each of the Airforce and Navy.

Lt Chetna said that his dream has come true. Chetna is posted in the Army Air Defense Unit. Apart from Chetna, Lieutenant Dimple Bhati will be part of the Army's daredevils motorcycle team. She said that for this she has been training for the last one year.

3. Garud commandos of the Indian Air Force, experts in air-field operations

The Special Garuda Commando Force of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also be seen in the parade. The training of this special force formed in 2004 lasts for a maximum of 72 weeks. At present there are 1780 commandos in this force. They are experts in anti-terror operations and air-field defense.

They are adept in operating all types of modern weapons. During the terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase on January 2, 2016, the front was handled by the Garud commandos. 2 soldiers were martyred in this attack.

4. Winged stallion will be seen for the first and last time in the fly past

44 aircraft will participate in the fly past. There will also be 9 Rafales in these. Apart from these, C-17, C-130, Sukhoi-30 will also participate in the fly past. They will fly in Netra, Bajrang, Vertical Charlie, Dhawaj, Rudra, Baj, Prachanda, Tiranga, Tangail, Garuda, Amrit and Trishul formations.

The special thing is that Navy's Illusion IL-38 will be included in the parade for the first and last time. The Surveillance and Anti-Submarine Aircraft was inducted into the Navy in 1977. It will be decommissioned later this year after 42 years of service. It is also called winged stallion.

5. Display of indigenous weapons only, Agniveer will also participate in the parade

Only Made in India i.e. indigenous weapons will be displayed in the parade. Even the ammunition will be indigenous. Major General Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff of Delhi Area, told that under the self-reliant India, the army will demonstrate many indigenous equipments.

The parade will include K-9 Vajra Howitzers, MBT Arjun, Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile, BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile, Akash Air Defense Missile and Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles. Major General Bhavnish Kumar said that we are turning towards Swadeshi. The time is not far when all our equipment will be indigenous.

6. Tableau of Narcotics Bureau for the first time, Canine members Limbu and Jelly will be seen

The tableau of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) will be seen in the parade for the first time. No drugs will be its message. Apart from the NCB members, two members of their dog squad will also be present in this tableau. The names of these dogs of the canine squad are Limbu and Jelly. He has played a role in getting drug consignments caught in many operations.

The message of drug free India will be written on the tableau. Also its members will appear with various costumes of India. Through this he will give the message that together we can fulfill the dream of drug free India.

7. Country's biggest drone show in Beating the Retreat Ceremony

Beating the Retreat Ceremony, which has been going on for 300 years, is to be held on 29 January. This time there will be the country's biggest drone show in this ceremony. It will include 3200 drones and will fly over Raisina Hills in the evening. They will present the important events of the country. The drone show will last for 10 minutes.

In 2022, 1,000 drones took part in the Beating the Retreat ceremony. Beating the Retreat ceremony originated in Britain in the 17th century. It came to India in 1952.

Egyptian President El Sisi chief guest, Modi meets achievements

The chief guest of the event this year is Abdeh Fateh El Sisi, the President of Egypt. A 120-member Egyptian military contingent will also participate in the parade. Al Sisi's achievements are similar to PM Modi.

Like Modi, Al Sisi also became the Prime Minister in 2014. When the elections were held for the second time, he regained power with full majority. Al Sisi retired from the army with the rank of General.