A grand spectacle showcasing the nation's awesome military might, economic growth, scientific and technological advancement and cultural diversity unfolded at the majestic Rajpath in New Delhi on Sunday morning, marking the 54th Republic Day celebrations.

A sense of pride was discernible among the hundreds who thronged to witness the annual martial and cultural extravaganza on a sunny morning, brushing aside intelligence reports of possible terrorist strikes.

The over two-and-a-half-hour programme commenced with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other dignitaries
observing two minutes' silence and laying wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to pay homage to martyred soldiers.

The formal ceremony at Rajpath began with President A P J Abdul Kalam arriving at the saluting base to preside over the celebrations for the first time since he became the head of the Republic. He was accompanied by the chief guest, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami.

The President presented the gallantry awards to the next of the kin of valiant martyrs on the occasion.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani,  former prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao, I K Gujral, V P Singh and H D Deve Gowda, three chiefs of staff, Union ministers, Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla, Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi and members of the diplomatic corps.

The much-awaited parade kickstarted with a 21-gun salute to the President followed by showering of flower petals over the audience by four MI-8 and MI-17 helicopters flying in an inverted 'Ensign' formation.

The audience cheered and clapped as the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra winners passed the saluting base at the head of the parade led by Major General N S Pathania, General Officer Commanding, Delhi area.

Much to the amusement of the audience came the world's only surviving horsed cavalry - the 61 Cavalry -- which was followed by the indomitable war machines of the Indian Army - led by its latest acquisition, the Russian-made T-90 tanks. Possessed with a high degree of mobility, protection and fire power, the tank is rated among the best in the world.

The MI-17 IV helicopter, the Indra-II low-level radar and the BRAHMOS - the Indo-Russian cruise missile system --had the viewers spellbound.

The state-of-art 700-km range 'Agni -I', the T-72 tanks, the indigenous Arjun Tanks, the 155 MM Howitzer 77b guns
and the indigenously developed Prithvi missile system brought to the fore the country's military prowess.

The unmanned aerial vehicle 'Nishant', the indigenously designed two-seater trainer Hansa, MI-35 helicopters and other
weapon systems were also displayed at the parade.

The mechanised columns were preceded by the contingents of the armed forces who marched in perfect unison to the
accompaniment of martial music.

With their shining turbans and resplendent attire, men of the Punjab, Sikh, Jat, Mahar, Bihar, Dogra, Madras and
Rashtriya Rifles marched past saluting their commander-in-chief, who appeared at ease in his first Republic Day appearance.

The confident march by the sentinels of the sea and the guardians of the sky was re-assuring that all was safe in the
hands of "our" Air Force and Naval personnel.

Another round of cheers was reserved for the marching contingent of ex-service personnel, who may have hung up their
uniforms but have not left their soldiery gait.

And if gait were the name of the game, could the camel contingent of the Border Security Force, including the camel
mounted band, the only one of its kind, be far behind?

The smart marching contingents of the para-military forces attired in their ceremonial best added colour and beat
to the parade. Making their maiden appearance in Republic Day parade was the Special Service Bureau, raised in 1963 and entrusted with the task of guarding the Indo-Nepal border.

The Delhi Police contingent, which has the distinction of winning the coveted Best Contingent Trophy for a record 11
times since 1987, struck a special chord with the locals.

The contingents of the National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme followed the military and
para-military forces.

Inspiring the younger generation were 21 National Bravery Award winners, who went past the saluting dais on caparisoned elephants.

If bravery was the motto of the youngsters, tourism, technological advancement and economic progress were the
themes of the tableaux that preceded them.

The beauty of the sea swept the audience away as the Lakshadweep tableau with fisherfolk performing 'Kolkali' (stick dance) led the cultural pageant.

The Bhagoria festival of Madhya Pradesh, the ruins of Hampi, the Mahabodhi Vihar at Bodh Gaya, the Warli paintings
of Maharashtra, e-governance in Andhra Pradesh, Ajanta and Ellora, the crafts village of Raghurajpur in Orissa, the blue pottery of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh, the 'Kalaripayattu' martial dance of Kerala, and the temple architecture of Tamil Nadu - all seemed to allure tourists and investors alike.

Of course, there were the popular destinations of Jammu and Kashmir with its 'Saaz-e-Kashmir' musicals instruments,
the Dona Paula beach in Goa and Delhi's pride - the Metro.

A cultural extravaganza by school students and folk artists projecting the country's unity in diversity, women's
empowerment and environment was the highlight of the day.

A breath-taking performance by the daredevil despatch riders of the Corps of Signals riding their bikes in perfect
harmony and balance, followed by an awe-inspiring flypast by Jaguars, Sukhois, MI-35 attack helicopters and transport
planes in 'Big Boy' formation capped the show as hundreds of balloons with tricolour went up the skies symbolising the
nation's resolve to make the third millenniuum India's millennium.