Jaipur Hosts Historic Army Day Parade on Public Street
For the first time in its 78-year history, the annual Army Day Parade stepped out of cantonment confines and onto a public street. The event unfolded along a 3km stretch of Mahal Road in Jaipur's Jagatpura area on Thursday.
A massive crowd estimated at one lakh people lined the route to witness the spectacle. India's military might was on full display for civilians to see up close.
Gallantry Awards and Emotional Moments
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi took the salute at the parade. He presided over a solemn ceremony where five soldiers received Sena medals for gallantry posthumously.
The honored soldiers included Sub Major Pawan Kumar of 25 Punjab Regiment, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh of 625 EME Battalion, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar of 5 Field Regiment, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar from 7 Jat, and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar of 1 Para (Special Force).
During the ceremony, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar's mother Ram Snehi became overwhelmed with emotion and fainted. Soldiers standing nearby immediately attended to her. They helped the elderly woman recover and get back on her feet.
Military Display and Strategic Shifts
The parade featured an impressive march-past by contingents representing various regimental centers. For the first time, Bhairav Battalion contingents from Rajputana Rifles and Sikh Light Infantry participated in the event.
This inclusion highlights the Army's strategic shift toward developing warfare capabilities specifically designed for rapid, high-impact operations along international borders.
A spectacular fly-past by a fleet of different Army helicopters added aerial splendor to the proceedings. The Nepal Army Band also performed during the event, adding musical grandeur to the occasion.
Indigenous Equipment and Patriotic Fervor
The ground rumbled as powerful military equipment rolled past the reviewing stand. The procession included T-90 tanks, Arjun tanks, upgraded Schilka air defense systems, K-9 Vajra artillery, all-terrain vehicles, and the indigenous anti-tank missile system called Helina.
Spectators responded with enthusiastic chants of "Bharat Mata ki jai" as each piece of equipment passed by. The patriotic cheers filled the air throughout the display.
General Dwivedi's Vision for the Future
Addressing the gathering, General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the Army's continuous efforts to upgrade its capabilities. He spoke about building "super specialists" within the force to prepare for future warfare scenarios.
The Chief of Army Staff explained that the Bhairav Battalion was created specifically to fill the operational gap between Ghatak units and Special Forces. This new formation represents an important evolution in the Army's tactical approach.
"The Army is fully ready for any kind of situation," General Dwivedi declared confidently. He then turned his attention to equipment development, stating clearly what the country needs most.
"What the country now needs is equipment designed and developed in India," he emphasized. "Indigenization is not just a goal; it has become a strategic necessity for our defense preparedness."
The Army Chief also referenced Operation Sindoor, noting that it established "a new normal" for military operations. He highlighted how this operation demonstrated the Army's quick response capabilities, improved coordination between units, and precise action in challenging situations.
The historic parade in Jaipur successfully brought the military closer to the people it protects while showcasing both traditional valor and modern strategic thinking within India's armed forces.
