India’s rich cultural diversity and military courage and equipments were displayed at the Rajpath (New Delhi) on Monday celebrating 60th Republic Day of India. The celebration was held amid an unprecedented security cover.

Colorful parade and national events were marched down the thoroughfare that connects the Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate. President Pratibha Patil took the salute of marching contingents.

Chief guest of the Republic Day parade was Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Among the other who watched the march-past was Vice President Hamid Ansari, Defence Minister A K Antony. UPA Chairman Sonia Gandhi was also present. A large enthusiastic crowd also gathered to see this remarkable parade of Republic Day.

Defence Minister A K Antony performed all the customary duties of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the RD Celebration. Dr Singh is in AIIMS hospital after undergoing a successful bypass surgery. He is recuperating and watched the RD Celebration on television.

Ground to air security was placed in the national capital to prevent any WTC type terror attack. Snipers of NSG were deployed in all sky kissing buildings along the parade route.

Maharashtra Police ATS chief Hemant Karkare, Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte and 4 others killed fighting against terrorists in Mumbai on 26/11 were among nine security personnel who received the Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest peace-time gallantry medal.