New Delhi

As India marked the 77th Republic Day, police and paramilitary contingents marched along Kartavya Path as part of the ceremonial parade in the national capital, highlighting the role of central forces in internal security and border management.

The formation was led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Brass Band, commanded by Inspector Shamsher Lal. The band, comprising 100 personnel, played "Desh Ke Hum Hain Rakshak". It was followed by the CRPF marching contingent, which, for the first time, was led by Women Assistant Commandants Simran Bala and Surabhi Ravi, with 248 personnel taking part.

Raised in 1939 as the Crown Representative's Police, the CRPF received the President's Colour in 1950. The force currently has 248 battalions with over 3.30 lakh personnel and is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and Left Wing Extremism-affected areas. It also plays a role in election security. The CRPF has received 2,543 gallantry and service medals, while 2,271 personnel have lost their lives in service. Its motto is Service and Loyalty.

The parade also featured the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Band, led by Band Master ASI Devindra Singh, followed by the ITBP marching contingent commanded by Assistant Commandant Pagar Janardhan Kalu, comprising three officers and 144 personnel.

The ITBP guards the 3,488-km Indo-China border and operates in high-altitude regions. It is also involved in internal security, disaster response and protection of key installations. The force has undertaken multiple mountaineering expeditions, including ascents of Mount Everest, according to the release from the Ministry of Defence.

Following them was the Delhi Police Marching Contingent, a 17-time winner of the Best Marching Contingent award. The contingent was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Anant Dhanraj Singh, IPS. The Red Safa-clad jawans of the Delhi Police marching contingent, consisting of one ACP, 03 inspectors, 44 Head Constables, and 100 Constables, includes only those whose height exceeds six feet. This elite group of towering individuals reflects the pride and grandeur of the force.

The next marching contingent was the Camel Contingent of the BSF under the command Deputy Commandant Mahendra Pal Singh Rathore mounted on his camel Chetak. Marching in front of the saluting base the regal camels of the BSF, followed by the

iconic Camel Mounted Band. The contingent comprised three SOs and 50 Camel Riders, presenting a spectacular blend of discipline and tradition.

These majestic camels, often called the 'ships of the desert,' are the only dependable companions of BSF personnel in the harsh

and inhospitable terrains of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan and the Rann of Kutch. Camelmounted troops have played a crucial role in tracking smugglers and extremists across the Rajasthan and Gujarat frontiers.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended as the Chief Guests on this momentous occasion.

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This year, Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated to showcase India's remarkable journey. The celebrations feature an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country's unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.