French President Emmanuel Macron attended the parade on Friday as the chief guest at the celebration of the adoption of the country’s Constitution on January 26, 1950, following India’s independence from British colonial rule.
Tanks, missile systems, infantry combat vehicles and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems were displayed, with hundreds of police and military personnel marching with them. Stunt performers on motorbikes, including more than 250 women, also participated.
The Delhi Police showcased an all-women contingent of 350 people in this year’s Republic Day parade, with a focus on women’s empowerment. A new women’s brass band was created for the occasion, and the theme of “Naari Shakti” (women’s empowerment) was embraced by participants and spectators. The parade also featured women personnel of the armed forces and a tableau depicting female-dominant tribal communities. The event drew a large crowd and left many feeling motivated and represented.
The parade, which began at 10.30am, passed through the avenue of Kartavya Path, formerly known as the Rajpath. Despite the biting cold, the crowd erupted in cheer as helicopters showered flower petals from the sky.
Comprising an all-women contingent of the Army, Air Force and the Navy for the first time, and 26 tableaux as part of the cultural pageants, the parade culminated at the Red Fort around noon.
The significance of Republic Day lies in the historical journey that transformed India from a British colony into a sovereign and democratic republic. The day, January 26, commemorates a historic milestone in India’s journey as a sovereign nation.
On January 26, 1950, India officially became a republic with the adoption of its constitution. This occasion holds paramount significance as it solidifies India’s commitment to democratic principles and ideals.
On this day in 1950, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, unfurled the national flag, symbolising the birth of the Indian Republic. Since then, January 26 has been commemorated as a national holiday, honouring the principles of democracy and self-governance.
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed the nation on the eve of India’s 74th Republic Day. In her speech, she paid tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar and other members of the Constituent Assembly who drafted the constitution of India. She hailed the Narendra Modi government’s initiatives like ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Digital India.
President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the nation on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, spoke on a range of topics including the G20 summit, Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration and women’s empowerment. She also paid tribute to former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, named for the country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna posthumously, for enriching public life through his contributions.
President Murmu said India witnessed the historic ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the idol of Lord Shri Ram in the glorious new temple constructed in Ayodhya. “When this event is seen from a wider perspective, future historians will consider it a landmark in India’s continued re-discovery of its civilisational heritage,” she said.
Murmu said the nation has progressed further towards the ideal of gender equality when Parliament passed the historic Women’s Reservation Bill. “I believe the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will prove to be a revolutionary tool for women’s empowerment. It will also go a long way in improving the processes of our governance,” she said.
“The period of ‘Amrit Kaal’ will be the period of unprecedented technological changes. Technological advances like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are becoming a part of our daily lives. There are many areas of concern in the future, but there are also exciting opportunities ahead, especially for the youth,” Murmu said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday unfurled the national flag at his residence in Patna, on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.
The Chief Minister also distributed sweets among the people there.
“Hearty congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of Republic Day,” Bihar CM Nitish Kumar posted on X.
Bihar remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering 10 lakh government jobs and the target will be achieved soon, Governor Rajendra V Arlekar said on Friday. Addressing the Republic Day event held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Governor Rajendra V Arlekar said that Bihar, in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav has already offered government employment to 3.63 lakh individuals with ongoing recruitment initiatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked down the Kartavya Path after the conclusion of the 75th Republic Day parade and waved at people seated in enclosures. The attendees erupted into cheer when the PM passed by their enclosures and welcomed him with claps and slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai”.PM Modi also crossed over to other side of the Kartavya Path where he was greeted by excited audience as they clicked pictures. This year’s Republic Day parade was ‘women-centric’, indicating the roles played by women in various sectors. For the first time, the parade was heralded by 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade commenced with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. played by women artists. French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at the parade. The theme of this year’s Republic Day is ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat: Loktantra ki Matruka’, which symbolise the country’s aspirations and its role as the nurturer of democracy.
Dr. (pro.) Jai Ram Jha
(editor) .
