Lt Amit Chaudhary.
New Delhi: Lieutenant Amit Choudhary will create a piece of family history when he leads a contingent of mixed scouts down Kartavya Path during India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marching along the same ceremonial route his father traversed 35 years ago. There are six scouts regiments in the Indian Army – Arunachal Scouts, Dogra Scouts, Garhwal Scouts, Kumaon Scouts, Ladakh Scouts, and Sikkim Scouts.
The second-generation Army officer from Arunachal Scouts shared his journey during a media interaction near India Gate on Friday, following the final dress rehearsal that proceeded despite persistent rainfall in the capital.
“I have always dreamed of being part of the parade. As a boy, I used to watch it on television and march around our home,” Lt Choudhary said. “My father participated in the 1990 Republic Day Parade as part of the Brigade of the Guards contingent.”
The lieutenant and his contingent wore specialized multi-layered uniforms designed for high-altitude terrain, complemented by protective boots and polarized sunglasses suited for harsh weather conditions – attire that reflects the challenging environments where scouts typically operate along India’s northern and eastern borders.
The Arunachal Scouts, raised in 2010, represent one of the Army’s specialized mountain warfare units. Operating in one of the country’s most strategically sensitive regions, the regiment has been instrumental in maintaining border security whilst engaging with local communities in the northeastern state.
Friday’s dress rehearsal saw participation from multiple military contingents preparing for Monday’s main event, which will showcase India’s defence capabilities and cultural diversity before an audience of dignitaries and thousands of spectators.
For Choudhary, the parade represents more than ceremonial duty. It embodies a family tradition of service and the pride of representing soldiers who guard India’s frontiers in some of the world’s most challenging operational environments.
The Republic Day Parade remains India’s premier national celebration, commemorating the promulgation of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
