India
India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day today with French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.
Updated : Jan 26, 2024, 03:42 PM IST | Edited by : Shivam Verma
The Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path here on Friday put the spotlight on "Nari Shakti", underscoring the pivotal role women play across various domains, from village industry, maritime sector, defence, science to space technology.
The grand parade -- themed "Viksit Bharat" and "Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka" -- at its start witnessed a musical ensemble "Aavaahan", an enchanting performance that featured an array of Indian musical instruments sourced from different corners of the country.
From folk to tribal percussion instruments, a band of 112 women artistes skilfully played them, symbolising the strength and prowess of women.
States such as Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh showcased women's roles in diverse areas in their tableaus.
The Manipur tableau showcased women on boats collecting lotus stems from the famed Loktak Lake and delicately crafting yarns using traditional "charkhas".
The tableau also had highlighted "Ima Keithel", an ancient all-women market, and it emphasised the enduring legacy of women-led commerce.
Madhya Pradesh's tableau celebrated the integration of women into the state's development process through welfare schemes. The focus was on women's active participation across modern service sectors, small-scale industries and traditional domains.
It also featured the first woman fighter pilot, Avani Chaturvedi, alongside depictions of women artistes contributing to the state's cultural richness.
The float from Odisha highlighted women's involvement in the handicraft and handloom sector, while Chhattisgarh's tableau showcased women dominance in the tribal communities of Bastar.
Rajasthan's float showcased the development of women-led handicraft industries and also featured the famous "Ghoomar" dance. A statue of Meera Bai symbolised devotion and power.
Haryana's tableau highlighted women's empowerment through the government programme "Mera Parivar, Meri pehchan". It showcased Haryanvi women with digital devices symbolising access to government schemes through the the Digital India Initiative.
Andhra Pradesh focused its tableau's theme on transforming school education. Ladakh's float showcased the Indian women ice hockey team, comprising Ladakhi women.
DRDO's tableau highlighted the significant contribution of women scientists in core areas of defence and research. It featured achievements such as an anti-satellite missile and a third-generation anti-tank guided missile.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways showcased the development of India's maritime sector, emphasising the rise in the number of women seafarers and advancements in lighthouse and cruise tourism.
The Republic Day parade also featured an all-women contingent from the tri-services, reflecting their exceptional service in diverse terrains, including in counter-insurgency areas, the Siachen Glacier and deserts.
The Armed Forces Medical Services presented an all-women contingent for the first time in the parade, symbolising the strength, discipline and unwavering dedication of women officers extending beyond borders in patient care, logistics, casualty evacuation and public health initiatives.
On motorcycles, 265 women showcased bravery, valour and determination through various daredevil stunts. They also exhibited the strength of Indian values and culture, including yoga, and send a message of unity and inclusiveness.
The Indian Navy's tableau also depicted "Nari Shakti" with the recent announcement of the force welcoming women in all roles and in all ranks.
For the first time on the Kartavya Path, the "BSF Mahila Brass Band" under the command of Sub-Inspector Shweta Singh participated in the parade.
The women contingent of the Border Security Force consisted of 144 "Mahila Praharis".
The CRPF has the distinction of raising one of the first women band contingents. Constable Sosa Alpaben led the Central Reserve Police Force band consisting of 100 women personnel and it played "Desh Ke Hum Hai Rakshak".
The Delhi Police all-women band participated in the Republic Day parade for the first time and was led by Band Master Sub-Inspector Ruyangunuo Kense.
The girl band contingent of the NCC comprising 148 cadets also participated in the parade.
In a spectacular display of cultural richness and "Nari Shakti", the third edition of "Vande Bharatam" at the Republic Day parade showcased the theme "Cultural expression of women power - accomplishment through resolve".
A group of 1,500 dancers, under the banner of "Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti", celebrated unity in diversity with 30 distinctive folk dance styles, including Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Manipuri, contemporary classical dance, and Bollywood styles.
President's Bodyguard escort President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron back to Rashtrapati Bhavan after the conclusion of #RepublicDay2024 parade.
One LCH ac in lead and two Apache Helicopters and two Mk-IV ac in echelon fly in five ac 'Arrow Formation' over Kartavya Path.
Aerial shots were taken especially from Prachand which is taking part in the flypast over Kartavya Path, during Republic Day 2024 celebrations here.
The Central Armed Police women personnel are exhibiting their prowess of 'Naari Shakti'. 265 women bikers on motorcycles showcase bravery and valour.
The Group consists of 1500 dancers giving the message of unity in diversity. The grand performance includes 30 folk dance styles uniquely prevalent in different states of the country. 120 dancers have also donned masks related to various tribal and folk performing arts and 120 dancers are performing dances with traditional umbrellas and other artistic objects from Gujarat, Manipur, Kerala and Maharashtra.
Tableau of Jharkhand takes part in Republic Day2024 parade
The tableau transports the audience through the rich heritage of Tasar Silk. Upon the tableau, the resilience of tribal women in the production of Tasar Silk is being showcased.
The tableau of the state reflects the democratic consciousness and traditional democratic values present in the tribal communities since ancient times. The tableau has been decorated with "bell-metal and terracota artefacts" to depict the traditional arts and crafts.
Rajputana Rifles led by Lieutenant Sanyam Chaudhary of 20th Batallion marched past the Kartavya Path as part of the Republic Day parade, with war cry 'Raja Ram Chandra Ki Jai!' echoing in sync on their mouths.With first battalion of Rajputana Rifles having being raised in 1775, it is the oldest Rifle Regiment of the Indian Army.
It also has the distinction of winning the first Victoria Cross in 1856. The Regiment has displayed exceptional valour and bravery, wherever it has been deployed.During the Kargil war of 1999, the gallant action of 7th & 11th battalions of Rajputana Rifles led to the capture of Tololing and Haneefuddin sector.The Regiment has a rare and impeccable distinction of winning 10 Arjuna Awards.
The detachment of Pinaka of the Regiment of Artillery from 1890 Rocket Regiment, led by Lt Priyanka Sevda of 262 Field Regiment, at the Kartavya Path.
The French Foreign Legion music band consisting of 30 musicians and the French marching contingent from the 2nd Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion on Karvatya Path on 75th Republic Day
Above them are two Rafale fighter jets on Kartavya Path
The first Army contingent leading the Mechanised Column is of 61 Cavalry, led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’
The winners of the highest gallantry awards including Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra on the Kartavya Path, as the March Past begins.
For the first time, the parade is being heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade is commencing with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. being played by these artists.
— ITBP (@ITBP_official) January 26, 2024
In a heartwarming gesture, the resilient 'Himveers' of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), stationed in the snow-bound regions along the India-China border, have extended their heartfelt greetings to fellow countrymen on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.
My dear friend @NarendraModi,
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024
Indian people,
My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you.
Let’s celebrate! pic.twitter.com/e5kg1PEc0p
In a warm gesture, French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his best wishes to Prime Minister Modi and the citizens of India as the nation celebrated its 75th Republic Day. Sharing a photograph capturing a moment with PM Modi on social media, Macron expressed his sentiments with a message that read, “My dear friend @narendramodi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let's celebrate!”
The United States has extended Republic Day wishes to India, calling the country a key strategic partner of the US. "I would just note that - would wish a happy Indian Republic Day to anybody tuning in. India is a country - it is a key strategic partner of the United States and one that we look forward to closening our collaboration in a number of key areas on. And this is - was quite indicative in - during Prime Minister Modi's state visit here to the United States this past summer," the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press briefing on Thursday (US local time).
As people are gearing up to celebrate the 75th Republic Day on Friday, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the country with over 8,000 security personnel deployed in the national capital alone. All heavy transport and light goods vehicles will be barred from entering the capital ahead of the Republic Day, along with elaborate security checks due to the sensitivity of the occasion, said Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) HS Dhaliwal.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the chief guest at India's 75th Republic Day celebrations today. This marks a unique reciprocal exchange following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France on its National Day in July 2023. This momentous visit by President Macron culminates in the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Strategic Partnership between India and France.
The two leaders have engaged in a series of high-profile meetings throughout 2023, underscoring the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship. Their interactions have spanned various global platforms, including the COP 28 Summit in Dubai, the G20 Leaders' Summit, and the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. Notably, President Macron was also the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Celebrations in France in July 2023. This visit by President Macron marks the sixth time a French leader has been invited as the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day.
This tradition began with President Jacques Chirac in 1976, followed by Valery Giscard d'Estaing in 1980, Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, and Francois Hollande in 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's last visit to France for Bastille Day in July 2023 was a spectacle of symbolism and substance. - (ANI)
The live coverage of the Republic Day Parade will begin on National Broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) at 9 am today. The live event can also be watched on DD's official YouTube channel, and DD National, its news channel TV.
For the first time, an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also enthral the audience during the Indian Air Force's fly-past, representing Nari Shakti (women power). The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel.