A strong and resurgent India will celebrate the 63rd Republic Day on Thursday. The parade which will be held at Rajpath in the national capital will showcase the view of Mini- India and its rich and diverse cultural heritage. The Country's military might will also be displayed. This year’s Chief Guest in the parade will be the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra. Tableaux from 23 states and Central Ministries and Departments will showcase the varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country. The tableaux will also showcase the country’s progress in different fields. Nineteen of the 24 children selected for the National Bravery Award – 2009 will also participate in the parade. The highlight of this year’s Parade will be the 3,000 kilometer range Agni-IV missile, 150 kms range Prahaar tactical battlefield support missile and the Rustom-1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The weaponary put on display by the Indian Army includes the T-72 tank, Carrier Mortar Tracked, SMERCH Multiple Launch Rocket System, Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket System. The grand finale of the parade will be a spectacular flypast by the IAF, with the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft participating in the Parade for the first time.

AIR correspondent reports, Elaborate security arrangements are put in place at Rajpath and its vicinity where President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.