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India's 76th Republic Day celebrations unfolded on January 26th, 2024, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone – 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The event, a vibrant display of national pride and military prowess, was meticulously captured and shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video showcasing key moments. The video served as a compelling visual narrative of India's progress and its rich cultural tapestry. The parade, the centerpiece of the celebrations, was a spectacle of military might, technological advancements, and cultural diversity, underscoring India’s rapid development and its standing on the global stage. The carefully curated video highlighted the significance of the day, emphasizing the nation's military capabilities, its cultural heritage, and its strides in various sectors, all woven together to create a powerful and inspiring message.
The video commenced with a poignant tribute to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. Prime Minister Modi, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs, laid a wreath, a solemn act of remembrance paying homage to the sacrifices made in the defense of the nation. The presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added further gravitas to this symbolic gesture. Following this solemn tribute, the video transitioned to a more celebratory tone, highlighting the arrival and welcome of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations. President Subianto’s presence marked a significant diplomatic moment, representing the strengthening bonds between India and Indonesia. His attendance followed a distinguished lineage of Indonesian leaders who have graced the Republic Day celebrations, with the first being Sukarno, present at the inaugural Republic Day in 1950. The video further depicted the warm reception given to President Subianto, underscoring the importance placed on bilateral relations.
The heart of the video, and the heart of the Republic Day celebrations, was the parade itself. A captivating display of India's military strength was presented, showcasing advanced defense systems such as the BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash missile systems. The parade featured the impressive T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, BMP-II Sarath vehicles, the Nag Missile System, the multi-barrel rocket launcher ‘Agnibaan’, and the light specialist vehicle ‘Bajrang’. The inclusion of the Army's Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ and the DRDO’s surface-to-surface tactical missile ‘Pralay’ for the first time marked a significant moment, demonstrating advancements in India's defense technology. This year also saw the debut of a tri-services tableau, emphasizing the growing synergy and jointness among the armed forces. The tableau depicted synchronized operations using the Arjun main battle tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, and INS Visakhapatnam, symbolizing the combined power and capabilities of the Indian military.
The cultural aspect of the celebrations was also prominently featured in PM Modi’s video. Sixteen tableaux from states and Union Territories, and fifteen from central ministries, departments, and organizations, participated under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). These tableaux provided a vibrant visual representation of India's diverse culture and its rich heritage, showcasing the country's artistic and cultural achievements. The inclusion of nearly 10,000 special guests, encompassing Paralympic athletes, village heads, artisans, and conservation workers, emphasized the inclusive nature of the celebrations. The presence of these individuals highlighted the contributions of ordinary citizens to the nation's progress. The traditional buggy ride for President Droupadi Murmu and President Subianto, a practice revived after a 40-year hiatus, added a touch of historical significance to the proceedings.
The flypast, a breathtaking aerial display showcasing India's air power, featured a range of aircraft, including the C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29, and Su-30. The parade also paid tribute to the nation's war heroes, with the participation of two Param Vir Chakra recipients, Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav (retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (retd), along with Ashok Chakra awardee Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (retd). Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect the nation. The cultural performance, titled “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam,” involved 5,000 artists showcasing 45 different dance forms, representing the extraordinary diversity of India's performing arts. NCC cadets and a combined band of the Corps participated, along with a motorcycle display by the Corps of Signals, adding further vibrancy to the celebrations. The participation of an Indonesian marching contingent and band, a first in Republic Day celebrations, underscored the friendly relations between the two countries and added an international dimension to the event. The video concluded with a potent message of national pride, unity, and progress, showcasing India's strength and its aspirations for the future.
Source: Watch: PM Modi shares key moments from Kartavya Path on Republic Day