Dear Editor,
While the Indian High Commissioner hosted a terrific dinner reception at the Pegasus Hotel to mark India’s 68th Republic Anniversary on January 26, the Indian government hosted a spectacular celebration in New Delhi, the morning of the same day and a banquet later in honour of the Chief Guest, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (one of the kingdoms of the UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On January 26, 1950, the Republican Constitution of India came into force through a democratic act, unlike in Guyana when Republican status was declared after a rigged election that gave the PNC a magic two-thirds majority; the PNC used its fraudulent majority to break from Britain without the popular approval of the population. India became independent on August 15, 1947.
On January 26, 1950, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad, took the oath replacing the British Viceroy (Raj), or the equivalent of Governor General in Guyana.
At the Pegasus Hotel, High Commissioner Mahalingam extolled the virtue of close relations with Guyana. Acting President Moses Nagamootoo responded in kind, thanking India for the enormous amount of financial assistance given to Guyana every year. Indeed, Guyana is one of the highest recipients of aid per capita from India. Guyana is perhaps the largest recipient of aid from any country.
It is the tradition in India to hold a parade on Republic Day at the famous Rajpath in Delhi. India’s military prowess is usually on display at the parade along with cultural presentations representing the ethnic diversity of the country. I attended the parade last year and what a brilliant memorable show it was that attracted over a million people on the streets. Loud cheers followed each float. I also attended Independence Day celebrations and was invited for a reception at the President’s home two years ago. The late President Abdul Kalam invited foreign guests to the Presidential palace, including several Guyanese every year where the PBD was held in Delhi. As in earlier years, like myself, other Guyanese also went to Rajpath to watch the parade. This year, a group of Guyanese Americans visited Delhi for republic day celebrations.
The celebrations are spread over four days and ends with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29. The parade was carried live on Indian TV and beamed around the world for the diaspora. Pranab Mukherjee, who in his last year of his Presidency, started the ceremony by hoisting the Indian tri-coloured flag on Republic Day, following which the parade began. He took the salute of the Beating retreat on Sunday.
Every year, there is a Chief Guest. Obama was Chief Guest last year. This year’s guest of honour was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to reward the UAE for its friendly relations with India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally received the Prince at the airport, said that United Arab Emirates is India’s valued partner and close ties between the two countries are important for the entire region.
On Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the monument to the fallen soldiers that bear a resemblance to the one in central Paris. Rajpath was decorated with rows of potted plants of Date Palm (cajoor plants) to welcome the guest from UAE where date palm is the national fruit, as well as tree. In a special tribute to India on its 68th Republic Day, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper in Dubai, was lit up like the Indian Flag. And the musical fountains next to the world’s tallest building played Indian music “Jai Ho” and “Vande Mataram”, the national anthem, as the mile high electronic Indian flag draped the Burj. It was shown on Indian TV in the diaspora, including in greater New York area where some 1.5 million Indians are settled.
This year in Delhi, India showed off its latest military hardware, including missiles that can carry nuclear weapons for more than 2500 miles. Hardware from the army, navy and air force were on full display and soldiers marched in unison. Also on display were the country’s new counter terror force, anti-hijack team, anti-sabotage team, CBRNE team (an advanced terror fighting force of commandos wearing radiation protective suit for protection from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terror threats or attack), and deep divers (who are trained to kill enemies underwater) – all these in light of recent terror attacks against Indian military bases over the last year. India wanted to send a clear message to terrorist who are sent from a neighbouring country to create havoc in India. A female contingent of soldiers also marched and there were all kinds of pyrotechnics and air somersaults of fighter jets and helicopters, as well as incredible displays of movements of motorcycles by paratroopers stacked atop each other on five to seven levels up.
The Indian parade is a show to behold and if one is in Delhi around this time of the year, it is worth an appearance to catch a glimpse of it. Separately, Indian’s 29 states and its union territories also hosted individual celebrations to mark the day. Congrats to the Indian HC in Guyana for a magnificent event last Thursday evening.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram
