Last Republic Day parade for BSF's oldest camel

While the parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) camel contingent is sure to enliven proceedings during the Republic Day pageant, the march will turn out to be a special moment for 16-year-old Sangram, the oldest among the camels who would amble down Rajpath for the last time.

 Sangram, set for his 11th parade, will be retired from the force by the end of this year.

The camel, a Jaisalmeri breed, was at the head of last year’s parade. But the BSF has decided to place him in the middle row of his contingent due to his advanced age.

Sangram has been part of the parade from the year he was inducted to the Force. At the Republic Day parade, BSF will also get the privilege of showcasing five marching contingents, including two on camels. 

The force would have the highest number of contingents present in comparison to any other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India, a senior BSF official said.Other paramilitary forces will have two squads - marching and band - each on Rajpath, which is similar to the defence forces of Army, Navy and the Air Force.While the BSF usually has four contingents, the squad of daredevil bike-borne ‘Janbaaz’ are allowed as the fifth this year as the force is marking the 50th year of its raising, the official said.

The BSF marching contingents include Foot Band Marching, Foot Marching personnel, Camel Mounted personnel, Camel Mounted Band and Jan Baz (Motorcycle Stuntmen). A total of 328 personnel and 90 camels will be in the contingent. US President Barack Obama has also appreciated the performance of BSF’s Camel Mounted Band during his visit to Delhi on November 5, 2010. BSF's motorcycle stunt team ‘Jan Baz’ has been captivating audiences since 1990.