Republic Day 2024: DRDO Shines Spotlight On Women's Contribution In Defence R&D For National Security

On Republic Day, DRDO presented tableau with the theme "Women Power in Protecting the Nation by Providing the Defence Technologies and Systems in all 5 Dimensions (Land, Air, Sea, Cyber & Space)".

The detachment of Pinaka of the Regiment of Artillery from 1890 Rocket Regiment, led by Lt Priyanka Sevda of 262 Field Regiment, at the Kartavya Path.

Source : Youtube/@NarendraModi

India celebrating its 75th Republic Day showcased its military prowess and vibrant cultural heritage at Kartavya Path situated in the heart of the national capital on a Friday. The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) presented tableau on women's involvement in Defence R&D with the theme "Women Power in Protecting the Nation by Providing the Defence Technologies and Systems in all 5 Dimensions (Land, Air, Sea, Cyber & Space)".

The DRDO developed systems and subsystems which were displayed in the tableau include MPATGM, ASAT, AGNI-V, VSHORADS, NASM-SR, HELINA, QRSAM and Astra, LCA Tejas Aircraft, AESA Radar, Electronic Warfare System-Shakti, Cyber Security Systems, Command and Control Systems and Semiconductor Fabrication Facility.

The Contingent Commander of the DRDO tableau was Outstanding Scientist Sunita Devi Jena.

According to ANI, the detachment of Pinaka of the Regiment of Artillery from 1890 Rocket Regiment was led by Lt Priyanka Sevda of 262 Field Regiment, at the Kartavya Path.

#WATCH | The detachment of Pinaka of the Regiment of Artillery from 1890 Rocket Regiment, led by Lt Priyanka Sevda of 262 Field Regiment, at the Kartavya Path.#RepublicDay2024 pic.twitter.com/1mZC0XFL9B

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Indian Army Contingent

Leading the Mechanised Column, the first Army contingent was the 61 Cavalry, commanded by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Established in 1953, the 61 Cavalry held the distinction of being the only active Horsed Cavalry Regiment globally, formed through the amalgamation of all 'State Horsed Cavalry Units.' Following this, there were 11 Mechanised Columns, 12 marching contingents, and a flypast featuring Advanced Light Helicopters from the Army Aviation Corps.

The mechanised columns showcased attractions like the Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG Missile System, Infantry Combat Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle, Pinaka, Weapon Locating Radar System ‘Swathi,’ Sarvatra Mobile Bridging System, Drone Jammer System, and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, among others.

Marching down Kartavya Path for the first time was an all-women Tri-Service contingent led by Captain Sandhya of Military Police with three supernumerary officers Captain Sharanya Rao, Sub Lieutenant Anshu Yadav, and Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Rao. Additionally, an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent was headed by Major Srishti Khullar, with Captain Amba Samant of Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana of the Indian Navy, and Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya of the Indian Air Force.

The Army Marching Contingents included The Madras Regiment, The Grenadiers, Rajputana Rifles, Sikh Regiment, and the Kumaon Regiment.

Indian Navy Contingent

A group of 144 Agniveers, comprising both men and women, formed the Indian Navy contingent. This distinguished unit was under the leadership of Lt. Prajwal M as the Contingent Commander, with Lt. Mudita Goyal, Lt. Sharvani Supreiya, and Lt. Devika H serving as Platoon Commanders. Following their presence, the Naval Tableau unfolded by portraying the themes of 'Nari Shakti' and 'Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation.'

The first segment of the tableau highlighted the significant role of women in the Indian Navy showcasing their involvement in all roles and ranks across the entire Navy. The second part focused on the inaugural indigenous Carrier Battle Group featuring the Aircraft Carrier Vikrant accompanied by its highly capable escort ships Delhi, Kolkata, and Shivalik. The display also included the Light Combat Aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter, the Kalvari Class Submarine, and the GSAT-7 Rukmani Satellite.

Indian Air Force Contingent

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent was composed of 144 airmen and four officers, under the command of Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. The march past included Squadron Leaders Sumita Yadav and Pratiti Ahluwalia along with Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil, who participated as supernumerary officers behind the Contingent Commander. The IAF tableau conveyed the theme 'Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar.'

Veterans’ Tableau

Another highlight of the parade was the Veterans’ Tableau on the theme ‘Rashtra Nirmaan: Pehle Bhi, Ab Bhi, Aage Bhi aur Hamesha showing bravery and sacrifices of Ex-servicemen for the nation.

Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) contingent was under the command of Assistant Commandant Chunauti Sharma, followed by Assistant Commandants Priya Dahiya, Hardik, and Pallavi. The ICG boasted a formidable fleet comprising 154 ships and 78 aircraft, showcasing its robust capability to counter threats both at and to the sea.