NEW DELHI, Jan 26: India proudly displayed its new tactical missile Pralay, T-90 tanks, and a skit illustrating tri-service coordination on the battlefield, alongside numerous dances and a parade of tableaux during the grand celebration of the 76th Republic Day on Kartavya Path.
As in previous years, the parade, lasting 90 minutes and commencing at 10:30 am, highlighted defense equipment while marching, dancing, and rolling down the ceremonial boulevard in front of the Supreme Commander, President Droupadi Murmu.
On the VVIP dais, Murmu was accompanied by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the special guest for this year’s events.
A military band from Indonesia was given the honor of leading the parade.
The two presidents arrived in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, a ceremonial tradition that returned in 2024 after a 40-year hiatus, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the Indian Army’s senior-most regiment.
The event saw participation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, various Union ministers, top military officials, foreign diplomats, senior officials, and thousands of spectators enjoying the warm winter weather while witnessing the aerial display from helicopters and various aircraft including fighter and transport jets.
The flypast featured aircraft such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, Dornier, AN-32, Rafale, Jaguar, and Su-30, among others.
Subianto became the fourth Indonesian president to take part in the Republic Day celebrations, following Sukarno, who was the chief guest during India’s inaugural Republic Day event in 1950.
In a first-ever highlight, over 5,000 folk and tribal artists presented 45 dance forms from various regions across the country, covering the entire Kartavya Path for an inclusive viewing experience for all guests.
Curated by the Sangeet Natak Academy, the 11-minute cultural showcase, titled “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam”, celebrated the rich and colorful heritage of India’s tribal and folk traditions in honor of tribal leader Birsa Munda.
Sixteen tableaux from different states and Union Territories, along with 15 from central ministries, departments, and organizations, rolled down the ceremonial boulevard, featuring wooden toys to representations of the Maha Kumbh, illustrating the country’s vibrant cultural heritage and diverse traditions.
Cutting-edge defense equipment was also on display, including BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash missile systems, alongside the army’s battle surveillance system “Sanjay” and the DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile “Pralay” marking their debut in the ceremonial parade.
Highlighting the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”, the showcase represented a symbolic union of “Virasat” (heritage) and “Vikas” (progress) along Kartavya Path, commemorating 75 years since the Constitution’s enactment.
The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and was implemented on January 26, 1950.
Earlier in the day, Modi paid homage to the nation’s martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.
For the occasion, the Prime Minister wore a red and yellow striped “safa”, complemented by a brown bandhgala jacket and pocket square.
The parade was preceded by 300 artists performing “Sare Jahan Se Achha” on musical instruments from various regions of the country.
Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area, commanded the parade, with Major General Sumit Mehta as the second-in-command.
Notably, a tri-services tableau showcasing India’s commitment to improving synergy among its armed forces rolled out during the Republic Day parade, illustrating synchronized operations on land, at sea, and in the air, featuring the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, INS Visakhapatnam destroyer, and a remotely piloted aircraft.
Two Param Vir Chakra awardees—Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (retired) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retired), both heroes of the Kargil War—joined the parade alongside Ashok Chakra awardee Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (retired).
Rounding out the ceremonial display was Captain Ashish Rana, who led a contingent of “The Dare Devils” from the Corps of Signals, with Captain Dimple Singh Bhati following closely behind.
The contingent wowed spectators with thrilling motorcycle stunts, and Captain Bhati made history by saluting President Murmu while balancing on a 12-foot ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle, becoming the first woman officer in the army to achieve this feat. (Agencies)
