Watch: Mi-17 choppers shower petals, fly ‘Dhwaj Formation’; carry national, service ensigns at Republic Day parade

NEW DELHI: The Republic Day parade began on Kartavya Path on Monday with a stirring aerial display titled the ‘Dhwaj Formation’, as four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit flew overhead in a striking inverted ‘Y’ formation, carrying the National Ensign along with the service flags of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The formation was led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, who trooped the National Flag. Wing Commander Ashutosh Khanduri followed as Deputy Formation Leader carrying the Indian Army Ensign, while Wing Commander Abhishek Malhotra carried the Indian Navy Ensign and Wing Commander Abhishek Shukla carried the Indian Air Force Ensign. As the helicopters passed over Kartavya Path, they showered flower petals, adding colour and solemnity to the Republic Day celebrations.

The aerial salute was followed by the arrival of the Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Sena Medal, who smartly saluted the Commander-in-Chief, President Droupadi Murmu, as he passed the dais.A second-generation Army officer, Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment on December 16, 1989. He has served in high-altitude areas at Dras under Operation Rakshak, in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the North East under Operation Orchid, and in the Siachen Glacier under Operation Meghdoot.

He has also served twice with the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade.During his career, the General Officer has commanded the 5th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment as part of the Strike Corps, a Mountain Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and a Reorganised Army Plains Infantry Division on the western borders.The Deputy Parade Commander, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Vishisht Sena Medal, was commissioned into the 42 Armoured Regiment in December 1991.

A third-generation Army officer, with the fourth generation currently serving, he has commanded the 42 Armoured Regiment and an Independent Armoured Brigade, besides holding several staff and instructional appointments.Following the Parade Commander, recipients of India’s highest gallantry awards — the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra — arrived on Kartavya Path. Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar were honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, while Major General C A Pithawalia (Retd) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar received the Ashok Chakra.Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated this year to reflect India’s journey, blending the legacy of Vande Mataram, the country’s developmental progress, military strength and cultural diversity, the Ministry of Defence said.Republic Day, celebrated annually on January 26, marks the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 and symbolises India’s transition into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic founded on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.