Republic Day 2025: India’s cultural heritage, military might on display at parade, PM Modi pays tributes to fallen soldiers
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday that also coincided with the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the country's Constitution. Here are the highlights
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the 76th Republic Day parade, in New Delhi, Sunday. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna) Sunday marked India’s 76th Republic Day that also coincided with the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the country’s Constitution. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations with a grand parade at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto was present as the chief guest. The ceremony started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. Thereafter, the PM and other dignitaries headed towards the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
The dignitaries who attended the programme
Apart from President Murmu, PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, there were a host of dignitaries who attended the ceremony. Among them were Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, among others. Besides the VVIPs, members of the Paralympic contingent, handloom artisans, sarpanches from top-performing villages, and forest and wildlife conservation workers comprised the nearly 10,000 special guests for the 76th Republic Day Parade.
Special focus on ‘Mann ki Baat’ participants: Nearly 400 participants in PM Modi’s monthly radio programme “Mann ki Baat” were also present at the parade on Kartavya Path. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hosted lunch for the special guests at the Akashwani Bhawan.
Prime Minister picks up waste on Kartavya Path
PM Modi set a powerful example this Republic Day by picking up waste on the Kartavya Path, promoting the concept of plogging while aiming to achieve the goal of ‘Swacch Bharat’ (Clean India). This gesture stressed upon the importance of cleanliness and involvement of community in maintaining public spaces. Modi noticed waste on Kartavya Path and picked it up while receiving V-P Dhankar.
Tableaux showcase schemes, cultural heritage
A total of 31 tableaus, themed ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, rolled down the ceremonial boulevard on Kartavya Path. Among them, 16 were from states and Union Territories and another 15 were from Central ministries, departments and organisation — all highlighting various government schemes and cultural heritage. While Delhi’s tableau showcased the national capital as a hub of quality education, West Bengal’s tableau focussed on the state’s schemes like ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ that provides a guaranteed monthly income to women and the ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ promoting folk artistes. Ministry of Culture’s tableau, on the other hand, displayed an ancient Tamil musical instrument rotating on a symbolic Konark Wheel and an emblematic portrayal of a ‘Golden Bird’ symbolising India’s cultural heritage and economic progress.
India’s military prowess on display
India also displayed a few of the cutting-edge defence platforms such as BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash. Also exhibited were T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks Sarath (infantry carrying vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system ‘Agnibaan’ and ‘Bajrang’ (light specialist vehicle).
Indigenously developed short-range tactical missile Pralay also made its debut at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. Among other firsts, a tri-services tableau depicting the spirit of “jointness” among the armed forces was also displayed for the first time. The tableau created a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronisation of land, water and air operation with the indigenous Arjun main battle tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and a remotely-piloted aircraft.
C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29 and Su-30, among other aircraft, were part of the flypast at the ceremony. Two Param Vir Chakra awardees — Subedar Major and 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) took part in the military parade.
Indonesian Armed Forces perform on Kartavya Path
Indonesian National Armed Forces enthralled the audiences at the Kartavya Path with two stellar performances –the marching contingent and the Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta (Military Band) at India’s 76th R-Day celebrations. The 152-member marching contingent showcased unity and precision in their movements while the 190-member military band — Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta — from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) blended traditional military music with noble values.
5,000 folk artistes showcase 45 dance forms
More than 5,000 folk and tribal artistes put up a first-of-its kind show of 45 dance forms from across the country. The performance covered the entire Kartavya Path, ensuring same viewing experience for all the guests. Curated by the Sangeet Natak Academy, the 11-minute performance was titled “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam”. The artistic presentation was a tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda.
— with inputs from PTI, ANI
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