Women power marked the 70th Republic Day celebrations; Parade ends

New Delhi: As the band played the national anthem with a 21-gun salute fired in the background, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unfurled the tri-colour on the occassion of India's 70th Republic Day celebrations here on Saturday.

Pm Modi paid homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate here. The Prime Minister was flanked by the chiefs of the three services.

An eternal flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the indomitable courage of soldiers who died in the service of the nation. It is symbolised by a reversed rifle standing on its barrel and crested by a soldier's helmet.

Lance Naik Nazir Ahmed Wani, who lost his life while killing 6 terrorists in an operation in Kashmir, awarded the Ashok Chakra. Award was received by his wife and mother.

President Ram Nath Kovind, the first lady and the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who is the chief guest this year, arrived in a cavalcade escorted by 46 President's Bodyguards.

For the first time in the history of the paramilitary, an all-women contingent from the Assam Rifles participated in the parade.

Most of the ministers of the Modi government, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Deve Gowda, Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad were among those present on the occasion.

The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and tableaux of many states, themed on the iconic freedom fighter, are lined up for the occasion.

Modi also greeted the former Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh at Rajpath.