Delhi, The 75th Republic Day celebrations in India have commenced with grandeur as President Droupadi Murmu takes the lead in the festivities at Kartavya Path. Adding a special international touch, French President Emmanuel Macron graces the occasion as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the rich cultural diversity and robust military strength of the nation.
This year’s parade, centered around the themes ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka,’ promises to be a spectacular affair with the participation of 13,000 special guests. Breaking traditional norms, the opening act features over 100 talented women artists showcasing their mastery of Indian musical instruments such as the shankh (conch), naadswaram, and nagada.
A significant milestone in the parade is the inclusion of an all-women tri-service contingent, a first in the history of Republic Day celebrations. Adding to the awe, women pilots will take to the skies during the flypast, symbolizing the strength and capability of ‘Nari Shakti’ or ‘women power.’ Notably, contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will exclusively consist of women personnel.
Scheduled to start at 10:30 am, the 90-minute-long parade will kick off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the National War Memorial. The French armed forces, led by Captain Khourda and Captain Noel, will march alongside a multirole tanker aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air and Space Force flying overhead.
The spotlight on India’s military strength continues with the Indian Army’s 61 Cavalry, the sole active Horsed Cavalry Regiment globally, leading the mechanized column. The Indian Navy contingent, comprising 144 men and women Agniveers, will be under the command of Lt Prajwal M, with a naval tableau depicting ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation.’
The Indian Air Force contingent, featuring 144 airmen and four officers, will be led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. Beyond the military display, the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase cutting-edge systems and technologies, with a tableau themed ‘Women power in protecting the nation by providing the defence shield in all five dimensions, namely land, air, sea, cyber, and space.’
Highlighting the progressive stance, contingents from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi Police will be led exclusively by women personnel. Notable leaders include Assistant Commandant Monika Lakra (Border Security Force), Assistant Commandant Tanmayee Mohanty (Central Industrial Security Force), and Assistant Commandant Megha Nair (Central Reserve Police Force).
This Republic Day celebration promises to be a testament to India’s achievements, advancements, and the pivotal role played by women in various facets of the nation’s security forces. Stay tuned for live updates as the nation commemorates this historic day.
