It was a long wait for the commoners who thronged majestic Rajpath to be part of the 67th Republic Day celebrations on Tuesday. Thousands were seen flocking the roundabout at Ashoka Road since early morning, walking down the lane with entry-passes in their hands to their respective entry gates.
People tried their best to avoid long queues: While some rushed to the entrance gates quickly, some were seen trying to convince police personnel for a backroom entrance.
A large number of people left the venue disappointed as they were not allowed to enter despite having invitation cards. “I waited so long to let my family enter, however without any luck,” said 32-year-old Pawan who came to Rajghat with his parents. There were life-size billboards directing people to follow the marked route.
Furthermore, 23 entrance points were set up to regulate the entry of general public, media and VIPs. Hundreds of Rapid Action Force (RAF) security personnel and the bomb detection squad guarded the area.
Thousands of Delhi police personnel and heavily-armed central para-military force troopers stood guard as none were allowed to enter the parade area on either side of the Rajpath without being thoroughly frisked.
Senior police officials were also out on the field to assess the security apparatus.
Strict security check sometimes led to verbal dispute between police and public as the people weren’t allowed to carry food items to the venue. “It is not allowed inside and if you cannot understand, you are free to leave,” said a security officer to a visitor.
The atmosphere was filled with high pride and nostalgia when curtains were opened and Prime Narendra Modi with President Pranab Mukherjee and Chief Guest French President Francois Hollande graced the occasion.
The lucky souls on both sides cheered as the marching contingents and the tableaux rolled down the glorious Rajpath one after another. They moved in perfect symmetry and finesse. Visitors applauded synchronised military and police contingents.
The best was yet to come as the fighter jets of Indian Air Force flew in fly-past with Globe Master, Mig-29 and Sukhoi MKI leading the breathtaking display. The Trishul formation by the mighty Sukhoi clocking over 900 kms an hour drew the maximum applause as all the necks craned upwards.
The roaring fly-past was preceded by the daredevilry of Army brave hearts drawn from Corp of Signals that left people gasping.