New Delhi, Jan 26: President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in commemorating the 75th Republic Day on Friday. The celebration unfolded at Kartavya Path in the national capital, where President Murmu unfurled the national flag. The parade began with ‘Aavaahan,’ a band performance featuring over 100 women artists playing various percussion instruments, symbolizing Nari Shakti—a noteworthy addition to the customary march.
Reviving tradition, President Droupadi Murmu and the chief guest, French President Emmanuel Macron, arrived at Kartavya Path in a horse-pulled buggy, reinstating a practice that returned after a hiatus of 40 years.
This Republic Day marked a historic first with the parade being heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade kicked off with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc., performed by these women artists.
The Kartavya Path witnessed a march past by a combined Band and Marching contingent of the French Armed Forces. A 30-member band contingent headed by Captain Khourda, followed by a 90-member marching contingent led by Captain Noel, showcased the participation of the French Armed Forces in the celebration.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted that this year’s parade, based on the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka,’ involved around 13,000 Special Guests. This initiative aimed to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations and encourage Jan Bhagidari in this national festival.
The Republic Day parade was a spectacle reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, progress, military prowess, increasing indigenous capabilities, and the growing influence of Nari Shakti, as stated by an MoD official.
The event witnessed the inaugural participation of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots showcased their skills during the Fly-past, representing ‘Nari Shakti (women power).’ The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) also comprised exclusively women personnel.
The Republic Day parade, commencing at 10.30 a.m., began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the National War Memorial. Here, he paid solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. The Prime Minister and other dignitaries then proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
The ceremony included the arrival of the President of India and her French counterpart escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak,’ the senior-most Regiment of the Indian Army. This Republic Day marked the completion of 250 years of service by the elite Regiment since its raising in 1773.
Traditionally, the National Flag was unfurled, accompanied by the National Anthem and a booming 21-gun salute. Helicopters showered flower petals on the audience, and the parade began with ‘Aavaahan,’ led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar and Parade Second-in-Command Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area, a second-generation Army officer.
