NEW DELHI: The country observed its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a parade in New Delhi showcasing the country’s military strength and cultural heritage. The event on Kartavya Path commemorated the adoption of Constitution on January 26, 1950.
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The parade included soldiers from military and paramilitary forces, along with their bands, marching in front of leaders and guests. Various tableaux highlighted the country’s cultural diversity, including one on the Maha Kumbh.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest at the event. A contingent of 342 members from the Indonesian National Armed Forces also participated in the parade, marking the first time troops from Indonesia joined a foreign parade. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Narendra Modi were present alongside the visiting dignitary.
Prime Minister Modi began the day by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial to honour the country’s fallen soldiers. President Murmu and Indonesian President Subianto arrived at the venue in a traditional buggy, after which the national flag was unfurled.
Tableaux highlights India’s culture and progress
The Republic Day parade featured 31 tableaux from 16 states and union territories, as well as central ministries and organizations. These focused on the theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.”
One of the highlights was the ministry of rural development’s tableau on the “Lakhpati Didi Initiative,” which promotes women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The Indian Navy’s tableau showcased indigenous warship design and included models of vessels such as INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, underlining the country’s progress in maritime security.
The department of financial services, under the ministry of finance, presented a tableau depicting the development of banking services in India.
While Madhya Pradesh’s tableau focused on the reintroduction of cheetahs in the state, Jharkhand’s tableau featured late industrialist Ratan Tata at its center.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh’s tableau highlighted the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, showcasing scenes of ‘Samudra Manthan,’ ‘Amrit Kalash,’ and holy men bathing at the Sangam.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences presented a tableau themed around the celebration of 150 years of Mausam Bhavan.
Focus on ‘Nari Shakti’
The parade on the 76th Republic Day was especially focused on ‘Nari Shakti’ (women empowerment).
An all-women marching contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M, was a key feature of the parade. The 148-member contingent, comprising women soldiers engaged in anti-Naxal, anti-insurgency, and law-and-order operations, showcased the role of women in national security.
The ministry of women and child development presented a tableau emphasizing maternal care, life cycle continuity, and women’s leadership, narrating a girl’s journey from childhood to self-reliance.
The Delhi Police All-Women Band, under the leadership of Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense, also stood out. Participating for the second time, the band included four women Sub-Inspectors and 64 women constables from the Brass and Pipe Band units.
The ministry of rural development’s tableau further highlighted women’s empowerment through the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana,’ which focuses on economic independence and entrepreneurship for women.
A Republic Day of many ‘firsts’
The 76th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path introduced several firsts, showcasing India’s progress in defense, cultural vibrancy, and gender representation.
First woman officer to salute President
Captain Dimple Singh Bhati of the Indian Army created history by becoming the first woman officer to present a salute to President Droupadi Murmu. Mounted on a 12-foot ladder atop a moving motorcycle, Bhati, part of the Corps of Signals’ “The Dare Devils,” displayed remarkable balance and precision as she performed the salute.
Tri-services tableau
For the first time, a tri-services tableau rolled down Kartavya Path, symbolizing the spirit of “jointness” among the armed forces. The tableau depicted a battlefield scenario with synchronized operations on land, water, and air, showcasing indigenous equipment such as the Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and advanced light helicopter. The theme was “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (strong and secure India).
Pralay missile
The indigenous Pralay missile, a short-range quasi-ballistic missile designed for conventional strikes by the Army and Air Force, made its debut in the parade, representing advancements in India’s missile technology.
SANJAY battlefield surveillance system
The SANJAY battlefield surveillance system was showcased for the first time. This automated system integrates inputs from ground and aerial sensors to provide real-time battlefield intelligence.
Indonesian contingent
A 352-member contingent from Indonesia, including a marching and band unit, participated in the parade. This marked the first time an Indonesian military band and contingent marched in India’s Republic Day celebrations, as well as their debut in any foreign parade.
Cultural performance spanning the entire kartavya path
For the first time, over 5,000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 dance forms along the entire length of Kartavya Path, ensuring an equal viewing experience for all attendees. The 11-minute performance, titled “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam,” was curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Military prowess on display
India showcased cutting-edge defense platforms during the 76th Republic Day parade, with several making their debut. The Army’s battle surveillance system “Sanjay” and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) surface-to-surface tactical missile “Pralay” were featured for the first time.
The parade also highlighted key military assets, including BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash systems. T-90 “Bhishma” tanks, Sarath (infantry carrying vehicle BMP-II), the short-span bridging system (10m), the Nag missile system, the multi-barrel rocket launcher “Agnibaan,” and the light specialist vehicle “Bajrang” were also displayed.
For the first time, a tri-services tableau, highlighting enhanced synergy among country’s armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path. The tableau depicted a coordinated battlefield scenario, featuring land, air, and naval operations. It showcased indigenous equipment, including the Arjun main battle tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam, and a remotely piloted aircraft.