Republic Day parade marked by an impressive display of military might and cultural diversity

New Delhi, Jan 27 (PTI) An impressive display of armour and unmanned aerial vehicles recently added to India's military prowess was on full display at the 63rd Republic Day parade that also showcased the country's rich heritage in New Delhi on Thursday. The early morning chill did not deter people along the 8-km-parade route as they gathered on both sides of the majestic Rajpath, the country's ceremonial boulevard in the centre of New Delhi, and cheered the contingents as they went past portraying the diverse culture of the country. The well-turned out and synchronised military and police formations led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt Gen V K Pillai marched proudly to the lilting tunes of bands through the Rajpath where President Pratibha Patil, who is the Supreme Commander of India's Armed Forces, took salute. The impressive march-past was watched by chief guest Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, ruling Indian UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Marshal of Air Force Arjan Singh, the three service chiefs, besides Ministers, and top political and military officials. Besides contingents of India's army, navy, air force, para military and police forces, tableaus of various central government departments and Indian states and school children took part in the over 100 minutes parade which ended with a fly past by Jaguar and Sukhoi fighter planes over the Rajpath at a height of about 300 metres. PTI