New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 75th Republic Day with a grand parade on Kartavya Path in Delhi. French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, witnessing India’s rich cultural diversity and military prowess.
Themes: The parade revolved around the twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka’ (India – Maternal Symbol of Democracy), symbolizing progress and democratic values.
Special Guests: A total of 13,000 special guests participated in the parade, representing the spirit of a developed and democratic India.
Women Empowerment: Notable for the first time, over 100 women artists led the parade, showcasing their musical talents with Indian instruments. An all-women tri-service contingent marched down Kartavya Path, symbolizing ‘Nari Shakti’ or ‘women power’. Women pilots featured in the flypast, and contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprised solely of women personnel.
Parade Duration: The Republic Day parade started at 10:30 am and continued for 120 minutes, captivating spectators with a vibrant display of India’s cultural heritage and military excellence.
International Presence: French armed forces participated in the parade, featuring a 30-member band contingent and a 90-member marching contingent. A multirole tanker aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets from the French Air and Space Force graced the skies.
Indian Armed Forces Contingents:
Indian Army: The 61 Cavalry, the only active Horsed Cavalry Regiment globally, led the mechanized column.
Indian Navy: The contingent and tableau highlighted the themes ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation’.
Indian Air Force: A contingent of 144 airmen and officers showcased the prowess of the Indian Air Force.
DRDO Showcase: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed critical systems and technologies, focusing on ‘Women power in protecting the nation’ across land, air, sea, cyber, and space dimensions.
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi Police: Women personnel led the contingents, reinforcing the commitment to women’s leadership in the country’s security forces.
The Republic Day Parade 2024 was a magnificent display, combining tradition, modernity, and the spirit of inclusivity, reflecting India’s journey as a developed and democratic nation.
