On Sunday, India celebrated its 75th year as a democratic republic with a grand parade at Kartavya Path. This event showcased India’s military strength and rich culture. Nearly 10,000 special guests joined the parade, including Paralympic athletes, village leaders, handloom artisans, and conservation workers. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest—making him the fourth Indonesian president to attend.
The parade featured a tradition that returned for the first time in 40 years, as both presidents rode in a ‘traditional buggy’ escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior most regiment of the Indian Army. This year focused on the importance of India’s Constitution, which was adopted on November 26, 1949, and took effect on January 26, 1950.
With the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), India displayed 16 tableaux from various states, as well as 15 from central ministries, highlighting the nation’s growth and heritage. Attendees saw advanced military equipment, including BrahMos missiles, T-90 tanks, and a new missile system called ‘Pralay.’
Before the parade began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. The parade kicked off with a salute to the nation, lasting 90 minutes and featuring 300 artists performing “Sare Jahan Se Achha” on instruments from all over the country.
This year’s parade included special guests like two Kargil war heroes and an Ashok Chakra awardee. The sky filled with 40 Indian Air Force aircraft during an exciting flypast.
A unique highlight was a tri-services tableau showing teamwork among different military branches, demonstrating operations in land, air, and sea. The theme was “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India). Other tableaux presented by DRDO focused on security against various threats.
The Indian Army was well represented with mounted troops and marching groups, and 5,000 artists performed over 45 different dance forms in a vibrant cultural show titled “Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam.” For the first time, the entire performance spanned Kartavya Path, ensuring all guests got a great view.
The parade ended with Capt Ashish Rana and his daring team from the Corps of Signals finishing the event with a thrilling display.
Leave a Reply