Google’s Republic Day doodle: The famed BSF camel contingent

Google doodle on the BSF’s famed camels on the Republic Day

As is an annual ritual, Google designed a special doodle for India’s 67th Republic Day — the day when India’s constitution came into effect back in 1950. The doodle, sadly not an interactive one, has decorated camels with people on top playing instruments. It’s a scene straight out of the iconic Republic Day parade when India’s high-tech military hardware is on full display along with marching contingents from the armed forces.

Camels have long been a part of the Border Security Force (BSF) contingent at the parade and otherwise, when they are used both for operational and ceremonial duties. Camels are often used by BSF personnel for patrolling along the Thar Desert running along the Indo-Pak International Border in Rajasthan.

Past Google doodles on Republic Day have been on the colourful tabloids and the daredevil bikers.

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Even though there were reports earlier that the BSF camel contingent would not be a part of the R-Day parade this time, it was later decided not to break the 66-year tradition.

French President Francois Hollande is the chief guest at the parade this year. The ceremonial boulevard – Rajpath — which runs from Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate on which the parade takes place is under a thick security blanket. Delhi Police and paramilitary police personnel have been deployed across the city to ensure the conduct of the day without trouble.