India's military might on full display at 77th R-Day celebrations on Kartavya Path
New Delhi (PTI): India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand display of its military might on the Kartavya Path, which included missiles, newly raised units, elite marching contingents, and various indigenous weapon systems that were used during Operation Sindoor.
President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, graced the celebrations as chief guests.
The overarching theme of the event at the Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital, was 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
The parade commenced with the President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she, Costa and von der Leyen, flanked by the Indian president's bodyguards, arrived at the Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several other Union ministers, the country's top military brass, foreign diplomats, and senior officials were among the spectators.
Around 100 artistes heralded the parade on the theme 'Vividata Mein Ekta' that featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation's unity and rich cultural diversity.
The parade then began with President Murmu taking the salute. The parade was led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation officer.
For the first time, the parade showcased a phased 'Battle Array Format' of the Indian Army that included an aerial component. It featured a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India's first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle.
Providing aerial support was the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version, Rudra, in Prahar formation, demonstrating shaping of the battlefield.
The combat elements then followed with T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais with aerial support from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters.
Other mechanised columns included BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle and the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.
A military contingent from the European Union, carrying military staff flags and flags of Operations Atalanta and Aspides, the naval operations of the grouping, also featured at the parade. It was the EU's first participation in such an event outside of Europe.
The major weapon systems showcased at the parade included Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS), Brahmos Supersonic cruise missiles and Akash missile systems.
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V.S. Ugrappa seeks inclusion of Karnataka Reservation Act, 2022 in the Ninth Schedule
Bengaluru: V.S. Ugrappa, president of the Karnataka Rajya Valmiki Samana Manaskara Vedike, on Sunday demanded that the Karnataka State Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes Reservation Act, 2022 be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Ugrappa said the Act, which enhanced reservation to 56%, must be protected from judicial scrutiny by placing it in the Ninth Schedule. He said a letter has been written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging the state government to press the Centre to include the Act in the Ninth Schedule and to amend Articles 15 and 16 to strengthen reservation provisions.
Ugrappa alleged that whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Karnataka, he misleads the public by promising inclusion of certain castes in the Scheduled Tribe category. He claimed this has led to a rise in fake caste certificates and said the BJP leadership and government are responsible for the situation.
Referring to the upcoming Union Budget, which he said may cross ₹4 lakh crore, Ugrappa alleged that funds earmarked for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were being diverted for other purposes, despite legal provisions barring such diversion. He demanded that Union Ministers from Karnataka and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai take responsibility for safeguarding the interests of marginalised communities.
He pointed out that Tamil Nadu has successfully implemented a higher reservation percentage and criticised the Centre for introducing economic reservation for upper castes, stating that Dr B.R. Ambedkar had not envisaged economic criteria for reservation. He questioned the disparity in income limits for scholarships, noting that the limit for economically weaker sections among upper castes is ₹8.5 lakh, while it is only ₹2.5 lakh for SC and ST students.
Ugrappa recalled that during the previous BJP government, reservation was increased to 7% for Scheduled Tribes, 15% for Scheduled Castes and 32% for Other Backward Classes following sustained agitation. However, he said vested interests challenged the move in court, leading the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal to strike down the Act and the High Court to stay its implementation, effectively cancelling the enhanced reservation.
While welcoming the resolution passed in the Belagavi legislature session seeking inclusion of the Reservation Act, 2022 in the Ninth Schedule, Ugrappa expressed dissatisfaction that the Centre has not acted on it even after a month.
He also raised concern over the growing number of fake caste certificates in the state, stating that it was causing injustice to genuine beneficiaries. He demanded strict action against both those who obtained fake certificates and officials who issued them.
Several leaders and representatives of Valmiki community organisations and social groups were present at the press conference.
