<span style="color: #222222;">The nation celebrated its 70th Republic Day today with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at Rajpath in New Delhi. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Thousands of spectators, including foreign dignitaries and the country's top political and military brass, attended the celebrations. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's presence as Chief Guest was significant in view of the parade highlighting Mahatma Gandhi's contribution to India's freedom struggle. Gandhiji had joined the struggle after a 21-year stay in South Africa.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the tri-colour to a 21 gun salute.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' The President conferred the Ashoka Chakra India's highest peacetime gallantry award to Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, a militant-turned-soldier who laid down his life fighting a group of terrorists in Shopian in Kashmir in November. Wani's wife Mahajabeen and mother Raja Bano received the award.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A major highlight of the parade was participation of four Indian National Army veterans — Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal, all aged over 90 years — for the first time.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate, K-9 Vajra-T, Ultra Light Howitzer and Akash weapon system were other highlights of the parade.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">'Nari Shakti' was on full display with an all-woman Assam Rifles contingent creating history by participating for the first time in the parade, which was led by Major Khushboo Kanwar.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Contingents of the Navy, Army Service Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals (transportable satellite terminal) were also led by women officers.A total of 22 tableaux, 16 from states and union territories and six from central government ministries and departments, were part of the cultural parade.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The tableau of Maharashtra portrayed 'Quit India movement' while the tableau of Andaman and Nicobar showcased Gandhiji's role among the inmates of the cellular jail in Andaman. Jallianwala Bagh was the theme of Punjab tableau, which will evoke memories of the watershed moment in the independence struggle.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Tableau of Gujarat depicted Mahatma Gandhi's historical 'Dandi March', which shook the foundation of the British empire.Twenty-six children – six girls and 20 boys awardees of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar for their exceptional achievement also graced the occasion.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The grand finale was a spectacular flypast by the Air Force. The flypast commenced with the 'Rudra' formation comprising three helicopters in 'Vic' formation, followed by the 'Hercules' formation. Three Sukhoi 30 MKI of the Air Force executed the Trishul manoeuvre.<br />''  </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons. The parade was watched by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the country's top political and military brass.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Reports of Republic Day celebrations have also been received from different states and Indian missions abroad. President Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu<b> </b>and Prime Minister Modi have greeted the people on the occasion.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In his address to the nation last evening, Mr Kovind said, Republic Day is an occasion to reaffirm commitment to liberty, fraternity and equality across our society and among all our citizens and above all celebrate India and the spirit of being Indian.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In a series of tweets, the Vice President urged citizens to renew their solemn pledge to build a strong, confident, peaceful and economically prosperous nation. Mr Modi also extended his best wishes to the people of the country.</span>