This year’s Beating the Retreat ceremony was unique. For the first time, a laser display and a drone show were added. Both the programmes highlighted the country’s heritage, history and freedom struggle and showcased the advances made in various fields since independence 75 years ago. The spectators were thrilled.
THE RETREAT WITH A DIFFERENCE
(A review by Subbaram Danda)
Beating the Retreat is a centuries-old military tradition enacted at sunset to mark the disengagement of troops from a battle. In independent India, it is held every year on January 29, to signify the conclusion of the Republic Day festivities. Various military bands, consisting of buglers, pipers, trumpeters and drummers, march in formations playing selected tunes at the sprawling Vijay Chowk in Delhi.
This year's retreat took place in the presence of Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh and the military brass.
After the performance of the bands, colourful laser beams were projected on the walls of the North and South Blocks to bring out the cultural richness of the country and the sacrifices made by its patriotic men and women.
Then followed the grand drone show conceptualized and choreographed under the Centre’s “Made in India” initiative. In the ten-minute programme, a thousand drones lighted up the sky over Vijay Chowk with colourful displays. Its highlights included portrayal of the Father of the Nation in a sketch form and the blazing tricolour.
By successfully staging the drone show, India became the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China in mastering the complicated technology.
Here are some photos:
January 30, 2022.
