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India's 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26th, 2025, unfolded along Kartavya Path, a significant event marking not only the nation's annual commemoration of its constitution but also the 75th anniversary of its adoption. The spectacle was a vibrant display of India's multifaceted strength, showcasing its military prowess, rich cultural heritage, and considerable economic and societal advancements. The choice of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest held particular significance, marking him as the fourth Indonesian president to grace this prestigious occasion, a lineage tracing back to Sukarno, who attended the inaugural Republic Day celebrations in 1950. This diplomatic gesture underscores the strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared history and collaborative future.
The grandeur of the event was palpable, with a distinguished gathering of dignitaries including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the chiefs of the three armed forces. The participation of an Indonesian marching contingent and band added an international flavour to the proceedings, underscoring the global recognition and respect India commands. The theme of the tableaux, 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas' (Golden India: Heritage and Development), aptly encapsulated the dual focus of the celebrations: acknowledging the nation's rich past while simultaneously celebrating its remarkable progress across various sectors. This was reflected in the impressive parade of 16 tableaux representing states and union territories, and another 15 representing central ministries and organizations, all showcasing India's diverse achievements and cultural tapestry.
A compelling demonstration of India's advanced military capabilities formed a central part of the celebrations. The parade featured cutting-edge defence platforms, including the BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash weapon systems, showcasing the nation's technological prowess and commitment to national security. Heavy-duty military equipment such as T-90 'Bhishma' tanks, Sarath infantry carrying vehicles, and the Short Span Bridging System were also prominently displayed. The inclusion of the Nag Missile System, the multi-barrel rocket launcher system 'Agnibaan', and the 'Bajrang' light specialist vehicle further highlighted the breadth and depth of India's military arsenal. Remarkably, the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay' made their debut appearances in the parade, underscoring ongoing advancements in defence technology and strategic capabilities. For the first time, a tri-services tableau depicted the spirit of “jointness” amongst the armed forces, symbolizing the unified strength and cohesive approach of India's defence forces.
Beyond the military display, the Republic Day celebrations also paid tribute to India's rich cultural heritage. A significant element was the return of the traditional buggy ride for President Murmu and her Indonesian counterpart, a practice revived last year after a 40-year hiatus, drawing considerable enthusiasm from the crowds. This traditional touch added a layer of cultural significance to the otherwise technologically advanced display. The inclusion of nearly 10,000 special guests, including members of the Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from high-performing villages, handloom artisans, and forest and wildlife conservation workers, further underscored the broader national context of the celebrations, recognizing and honoring contributions from diverse sectors of society. The spectacular aerial display, featuring aircraft such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29, and Su-30, added to the awe-inspiring nature of the event.
The presence of distinguished military personnel, including two Param Vir Chakra awardees – Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retd), both Kargil war heroes – and Ashok Chakra awardee Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh (retd), added a layer of reverence to the proceedings, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve the nation. The cultural extravaganza, featuring a staggering 5,000 artistes performing over 45 dance forms from across India in a program titled 'Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam,' was a vibrant showcase of the nation's diverse artistic traditions. The participation of NCC cadets, both boys and girls, and the daring motorcycle display by the Corps of Signals provided further elements of excitement and spectacle, creating an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators. In conclusion, India's 76th Republic Day celebrations were a resounding success, showcasing the nation's military might, cultural richness, and remarkable progress, solidifying its standing on the world stage.
Source: Sidelights from 76th Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path