Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Sunday highlighted India’s military prowess, cultural diversity, and the significant role of women in the nation’s progress. Held at Kartavya Path, the event commemorated the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
Highlights of the Parade
The event featured a parade of military and paramilitary personnel, cultural tableaux, and advanced defense systems. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, this year’s Chief Guest, attended the ceremony, accompanied by a 342-member contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced the day by honoring fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. President Droupadi Murmu and Indonesian President Subianto arrived in a ceremonial buggy, where the national flag was unfurled.
Showcasing Culture and Progress
The parade included 31 tableaux from 16 states, union territories, and central ministries, with the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.” Highlights included:
• Madhya Pradesh: Focused on cheetah reintroduction.
• Jharkhand: Honored industrialist Ratan Tata.
• Uttar Pradesh: Displayed Maha Kumbh with depictions of ‘Samudra Manthan.’
• Indian Navy: Showcased indigenous warship models like INS Surat and INS Nilgiri.
• Ministry of Rural Development: Featured the “Lakhpati Didi Initiative,” promoting women’s empowerment through self-reliance.
Nari Shakti in Focus
Women empowerment took center stage with:
• CRPF All-Women Contingent: Led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M, demonstrating women’s contributions to national security.
• Delhi Police All-Women Band: Participated under Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense.
• Ministry of Women and Child Development: Presented a tableau narrating a girl’s journey to self-reliance.
Notable Firsts
• Captain Dimple Singh Bhati: Became the first woman officer to salute the President while performing on a motorcycle ladder.
• Tri-Services Tableau: Highlighted the synergy between armed forces with indigenous equipment like the Arjun battle tank and Tejas fighter aircraft.
• Pralay Missile and SANJAY System: Made their parade debut, showcasing advancements in India’s defense capabilities.
• Indonesian Contingent: Marked the first participation of Indonesian troops and band in any foreign parade.
Cultural Grandeur
For the first time, over 5,000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 traditional dance forms along Kartavya Path, ensuring an immersive experience for attendees.
