Jaipur, Jan. 16 -- The strength, discipline and technological prowess of the Indian Army were on full display during the grand 78th Army Day Parade held in Jaipur on Thursday. Organised for the first time in the Rajasthan capital, the parade marked a historic moment as it brought the Army's annual celebration closer to the public, showcasing indigenously developed weapons systems and modern military capabilities. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, along with senior military officers, attended the event. Thousands of citizens lined up to witness the spectacular parade, which generated an atmosphere of pride and patriotism. The parade began with Army Chief Gen Dwivedi presenting Sena Medals (posthumously) to the families of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Havaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar. This was followed by a ceremonial salute led by the parade commander and gallantry award recipients of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Kirti Chakra. Adding to the grandeur, three Chetak helicopters showered flower petals over the parade ground, while mounted troops of the historic 61st Cavalry displayed the Army's rich heritage. The Nepal Army Band also took part in the march, reflecting strong military ties. The parade featured a wide array of modern and indigenous military hardware, including the BrahMos missile, Bhishma Tank (T-90), Arjun main battle tank, upgraded BMP-II mechanised infantry combat vehicles, Nag Missile System, K-9 Vajra artillery system, HELINA missile system and ZU-23 twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun. Other displays included the Dhanush artillery system, Universal Rocket Launcher System, modular bridge systems, SATCOM vehicles and drone jammers. Rajasthan's cultural heritage added colour to the event as folk artists performed Kalbelia and Gair dances. The Army Service Corps motorcycle team impressed spectators with daring stunts and precision formations, while two paratroopers flying over the parade ground drew loud applause. Soldiers from the newly formed Bhairav Battalion added fresh energy to the parade. Contingents from Ladakh, Dogra, Himachal, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Scouts, along with troops from Maratha Light Infantry, Madras Regiment, Rajput Regiment, Dogra Regiment, Artillery Regiment and NCC cadets, marched with impeccable discipline. A tableau highlighting Rajasthan's folk culture alongside Operation Sindoor captivated the audience, featuring traditional dances such as Kacchi Ghodi and Dangal. The aerial display by Apache, Prachand, Dhruv and Rudra helicopters further showcased the Army's operational strength. Prior to the parade, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Commodore Purushottam Verma and Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti paid tribute to martyrs at the Prerna Sthal of the South Western Army Command. A short film depicting the journey and legacy of the Indian Army was also screened. The event concluded amid thunderous slogans of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", leaving Jaipur etched in history as a proud host of the Indian Army's iconic celebration....