Lieutenant-Colonel Ragumaran Davindran still finds it hard to believe that he will be Parade Commander at this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) but said it was a “great honour” to be selected.
The 40-year-old, who has been with the army for 17 years, told tabla!: “People look forward to NDP because it unites all Singaporeans regardless of race, language and religion.”
Singapore’s 58th National Day celebrations on Aug 9 will be themed Onward As One, urging Singaporeans to face the future with confidence and march forward together as a unified and resilient nation.
The parade at the Padang will involve more than 1,700 participants from 34 marching contingents including the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force with its the six pillars of Total Defence.
“Since the parade participants are of a wide range of age, it is a little challenging to plan the exercises and practice schedules and to cater to everyone’s physical strength and capacity,” said Lt-Col Ragumaran, who is also a Supply Officer at Supply Base North.
“For the past three months, training has been held at least twice a week. But the people are filled with enthusiasm and joy, making it easy to overcome the challenges and forget all the difficulties.
“It is a special feeling to take a full parade to the Padang after so many years. This was where we celebrated the nation’s first birthday.
“For the first time, the people can witness the Enhanced Aerial Display put up by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in showcasing its flying assets and marking its 55th anniversary.”
Lt-Col Ragumaran – the first Supply Officer to be Parade Commander – said it was initially difficult to juggle work, family and NDP rehearsals but he managed to pull through with the strong support of his family and colleagues.
“My wife Veni, my parents and colleagues are very supportive, so I am able to manage my responsibilities well,” said Lt-Col Ragumaran, who added that he learnt to be even more disciplined in advance planning.
Equally thrilled to be entrusted with a major role at NDP this year is Master Warrant Officer Pandykumaran Arthiappan.
The 43-year-old has been appointed Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (PRSM).
Since young, MWO Pandykumaran knew he wanted to become a uniformed officer. He joined the Boys’ Brigade in school and was always interested in military life. And now he’s living his dream, marching proud at NDP.
“Through this parade, Singaporeans will come together to celebrate the country’s milestones and achievements,” said MWO Pandykumaran, who joined RSAF in 1998.
“This will be a great time to encourage everyone to prepare for the future.”
As PRSM, he has witnessed the camaraderie and teamwork that form the cornerstone of NDP and how the support network – family, friends, colleagues and NDP participants – is a source of motivation.
MWO Pandykumaran also spoke to other PRSMs from previous years to learn about the challenges they faced and how to achieve the training standards for different groups of participants.
“It’s gratifying to see both the young and the old, people from different ethnic backgrounds, participating in the parade,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the RSAF55 aerial show that will showcase the skill and dedication of RSAF pilots in protecting the nation. I hope everyone will get to see it and feel the pride.”
