AIR to debut with its tableau on Republic Day Parade

In a first, All India Radio (AIR) will showcase its own tableau at the Republic Day parade on Friday depicting years of its rich legacy.

The tableau will depict a number of historic events associated with the broadcaster, right from Mahatma Gandhi's first and only address to the nation in the times of communal riots and frenzy following the partition, to artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar working as AIR staff, to the current time when AIR has gone digital.

AIR is the second broadcaster after the BBC to have its own tableau.

The tableau showcases how the broadcaster helped in making people aware about green and white revolutions, spreading education, helping in women empowerment, developing scientific temper and helping other social and community causes.

"For the first time AIR will be having its own tableau on Republic Day, and it is a historic occasion for us. This will be the leading tableau of the parade, which will give an idea on the origin and journey of the public broadcaster and how it has helped the community," Director General AIR, F Sheheryar said.

The tableau has mostly been built by internal resources of AIR with a budget of Rs 20 lakh.

Meanwhile, the theme song for Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat — the cultural integration programme of the Central government — was also launched on Friday. The song which is on the lines of the iconic Mile sur mera tumhara has been produced by Aakashvani with lyrics by Rafiq Raj and music by Pandit Bhajan Sopori. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's voice has been included in the song.