Ceremonial parade by troops alongwith equipment-weaponry system and fly past by Jaguar fighters and Apache and Chetak helicopters met with cheers and applauds from spectators as the soldiers celebrated the 78th Army Day on Mahal Road Jagatpura here on Thursday – for the first time out of the Cantonment.
Formations of Jaguars flew from Naal IAF base of Bikaner for ceremonial fly-past here for greeting the review stand and the spectators on the auspicious day. Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, his Mizoram Counterpart General VK Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chouhan and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi graced the function among huge crowds of spectators along the 3-km Mahal Road.
Besides, Jaguars, formations of helicopters of different make and categories showcased spectacular aerobics and the capability of maneuvering.
The Brahmos missile- a nightmare to foes, the Bhishma and Arjun tanks, indigenously developed Pinaka launcher, Dhanush Cannon, K-9 Vajra, Robotic Dogs Apache and Chetak helicopters also took part in the event leaving all in the stands thrilled and spellbound.
In the process, the unprecedented event in the civil city area displayed the bravery and professional excellence of troops and also their modern combat readiness.
The Nepal Army Band also took part, highlighting the longstanding friendship and defence cooperation between the two nations. The Bhairav Batalion also attended such parade in the civil public domain for the first time.
Five brave soldiers who laid the supreme sacrifice for the nation in military operations, including operation Sindoor, were honoured posthumously with Sena Medal.
The honoured martyrs are Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Havildar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar.
Emotionally charged Subedar Major Pawan Kumar’s mother fainted at the medal giving ceremony. She was escorted to the hospital immediately by army officials.
Cultural performances, including Rajasthan’s Kalbelia and Gair dances, added colour to the event.