Pune: In a groundbreaking moment, the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre, popularly known as the Bombay Sappers, claimed the runner-up position for the best marching contingent at this year’s Republic Day Parade, as declared by the Army Headquarters. Notably, it’s the first time in two decades that the Bombay Sappers have achieved such recognition.
Adding to the milestone, Major Divya Tyagi, a woman officer, took charge as the commanding officer of the Bombay Sappers contingent this year. Reflecting on the achievement, Major Tyagi expressed her pride, saying, “It’s a proud moment for me and our contingent. The hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment by each member of the contingent have paid off.”
The contingent, consisting of two Junior Commissioned Officers and 144 personnel, dedicated months of rigorous practice in diverse weather conditions, including the bone-chilling cold weather in New Delhi. Major Tyagi emphasized the collective effort that led to their success, stating, “We have done something that will remain in the history of the Bombay Sappers forever.”
The trophy for the second-best marching contingent was presented to Major Tyagi and BEG Commandant Brigadier D G Patwardhan by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande in New Delhi on Monday. Brigadier Patwardhan remarked, “It’s a historic moment for us. The sappers have consistently achieved the best results whenever we participated in the R-Day Parade, maintaining our rich legacy.”
Lieutenant General Asit Mistry (retired), who commanded the Republic Day Parade thrice from 2018 to 2020 as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the New Delhi area, shed light on the meticulous evaluation process. He explained, “A five-member panel assesses various military aspects, including turnout, smartness, drills, coordination, and the word of command. Based on their evaluation and online feedback from the public, the panel selects the winner and runner-up of the parade.”
