<br/>The nation celebrates its 61st Republic Day on Tuesday. Country's military might, rich and diverse cultural heritage and achievements in various fields were showcased at spectacular march past in different parts of the country.<br/><br/>The highlight of this year's parade in the national capital was display of state of the art fire power by Army, Air Force and Navy. Unfurling of the tri-colour, impressive parades and launching of welfare schemes in several states marked the day. Reports of celebrations India's Republic Day have also come in from abroad.<br/><br/>Despite the heavy fog, a good turn out witnessed the synchronised military contingents marching proudly through the Rajpath in New Delhi. The President and Supreme Commander of armed forces Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil took the salute. <br/><br/>The march-past was watched by the Republic Day chief guest South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister, A K Antony and the country's top political and military brass, including UPA chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that after the President unfurled the tricolour and a customary 21-gun salute, the parade was led by Major General KJS Oberoi, General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area.<br/><br/>Major D. Sreeram Kumar, late Major Mohit Sharma and Havildar Rajesh Kumar were honoured with the country's highest peace time gallantry medal, the Ashok Chakra on Tuesday.<br/><br/>The President presented the medals to them. The medals of Major Mohit Sharma of the 1 Para (Special Forces), and Havildar Rajesh Kumar of 11 Rajputana Rifles were awarded posthomously and received by their wives.<br/><br/>Minutes before the parade began, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti, the British-era World War-I memorial at India Gate, where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation's frontiers. A heavy security blanket was thrown around the capital for the Republic Day celebrations.