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Journalism of Courage
India’s Republic Day celebrations are incomplete without colourful tableaux cantering down Kartavya Path (formally Rajpath). Showcasing India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, they add colour to the grand event on January 26.
In the lead up to this year’s Republic Day, however, the Centre and several Opposition-ruled states are at loggerheads over the rejection of their states’ tableaux. So far, Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and West Bengal have protested the rejection of their tableau.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the decision “an insult to Kannadigas”. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann regarded it as a reflection of the Centre’s “anti-Punjab syndrome”.
The Centre, on its part, has stuck to its decision. Here is all you need to know about how Republic Day tableaux are chosen.
According to a Ministry of Defence (MoD) circular dated October 30, 2023, each year, a select number of “State Governments/UT Administrations/Central/Ministries/Departments” send their tableaux to the Republic Day parade. There is a rigorous application process which begins with interested parties submitting a concept note, along with design blueprints to the MoD. The deadline for submissions to participate in this year’s parade was November 10, 2023.
The tableaux proposals received are evaluated by a committee of experts appointed by the MoD, comprising prominent persons in the field of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, etc. The selection process happens in a phased manner.
STAGE 1 involves the assessment of the initial proposals and the design sketch/blueprint. The Committee sits alongside official representatives of the participants and suggests modifications, if necessary. A number of proposals may be rejected in this stage itself.
STAGE 2 involves assessment of three-dimensional models of the proposals. If the Committee is satisfied with the model, then the tableau is selected and further sent for fabrication. The Committee can also suggest changes to models before selection.
Crucially, while the process is envisioned to be collaborative, the Committee has the final say on which tableaux are chosen, and can order any modifications they feel are required.
As per the above-quoted document, “selection depends upon a combination of factors including but not limited to visual appeal, impact on the masses, idea/theme of the tableaux, degree of detailing involved in the tableaux, music accompanying the tableaux, local artists used etc.”
Each year, the MoD comes up with an overarching theme, under which, participants can showcase elements relevant to their respective state/UT/department in their tableaux. This year’s theme is “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat: Loktantra ki Matrika” (India: the Mother of Democracy).
The Defence Ministry also shares the basic guidelines about what all the tableaux can or should include. The participating entities must engage “young qualified designers from renowned institutions”, electronic display walls for a bright display of images or content, moving elements using robotics or mechatronics, 3D printing could be used for certain elements, use of augmented or virtual reality, and special effects to improve the optics and visual effects of the tableau. Extra weightage is given to tableaux which conform to these guidelines.
Importantly, the tableaux of two different states/ UTs must not be too similar, and eco-friendly material must be used for their construction.
While no official reasons have been given, there could be many factors behind the Centre’s decision.
MoD sources told news agency PTI that Punjab and West Bengal’s tableaux were ultimately rejected due them not aligning with the “broader theme”. Punjab had reportedly submitted three proposals, including themes like “Punjab’s history of sacrifices, women empowerment with Mai Bhago’s story, and the state’s rich cultural heritage”. It is unclear what Bengal’s proposal entailed.
With respect to Karnataka, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday (January 10) said that “As far as the tableau issue is concerned, Karnataka has had an opportunity for the last 14 years. Since every state has to get the opportunity, Karnataka has missed this time.” He added that Karnataka would get an opportunity next year.
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar alleged that the Delhi government was not provided any reason for its exclusion. She said that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal wanted to present the state’s model of governance to the country in the form of a tableaux.
