India (Commonwealth Union)_ Today, India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day in a grand manner at Kartavya Path, a refurbished ceremonial promenade from the British era formerly known as the ‘Rajpath’, highlighting the nation’s route to self-reliance. The 74th Republic Day parade is being held for the first time on the rebuilt Kartavya Path in the national capital, showcasing the military strength and cultural diversity of India. For the Republic Day parade, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the chief guest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the country on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day. PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote, “Many wishes for Republic Day. This time the occasion is more special because we are celebrating it during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. I wish we move ahead unitedly to make the dreams of the great freedom fighters of the country come true. Happy Republic Day to all fellow Indians! We wish to move ahead unitedly to make the dreams of the great freedom fighters of the country come true”.
The Prime Minister began the day’s celebrations by paying honor to the nation’s fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. The Prime Minister and other dignitaries then proceeded to the saluting platform on Kartavya Path to see the parade. This year’s Republic Day celebration will exhibit the nation’s military superiority, cultural diversity, and several other distinctive efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned that this year’s celebrations will be marked by passion, excitement, patriotic fervor, and ‘Jan Bhagidari’, building on last year’s festivities of the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Republic Day festivities, which commenced at the Kartavya Path. The procession began with a salute from President Droupadi Murmu, and was then led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a second-generation Army officer. The Parade Second-in-Command was Major General Bhavnish Kumar, the Chief of Staff for HQ Delhi Area. On 23rd of January, the birth anniversary of the renowned independence warrior Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the week-long celebrations began. On January 23 and 24, New Delhi hosted the unique Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram ka’ to commemorate the anniversary. The final day of the celebrations will be January 30, which will be commemorated as Martyrs’ Day.
The Republic Day parade, which started at around 10:30 am, was a unique blend of the country’s military might and cultural diversity, reflecting the nation’s rising indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti, and the development of a ‘New India’. As a customary, the National Flag was raised, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute. Among the several firsts, 105-mm Indian Field Guns was used to fire the 21-gun salute. It replaces the classic 25-pounder cannon, demonstrating the expansion of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in the defense sector. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of the 105 Helicopter Unit also showered Karavya Path’s audience with flower petals.
According to the Delhi Police, about 65,000 individuals will attend today’s march, for which residents were given access to register via a QR code on the government’s Aamantran webpage. Only individuals with valid passes and tickets were permitted in. Further, on the special day, the Padma Award will also be presented to 106 individuals for their achievements and contributions to society and the country. The awardees include the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, founder of the Samajwadi Party, Tabla artist Zakir Hussain, billionaire KM Birla, and Infosys’ Sudha Murty. Three recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra will also march in the procession. The Navy’s parade highlighted the celebrations at the Southern Naval Command in Kerala’s Kochi.
