LIVE | R-Day: Grand parade showcases military firepower, cultural diversity
While 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution was the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux was “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”
India as a sovereign democratic republic completed 75 years of its eventful journey on Sunday, with the country showcasing its military prowess and rich cultural heritage at the ceremonial parade at the Kartavya Path in Delhi.
Besides VVIP dignitaries, members of the Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans and forest and wildlife conservation workers were among the nearly 10,000 special guests who had been invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade.
President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the momentous occasion, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest. A marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia participated in the parade.
Subianto was the fourth Indonesian president to attend India's Republic Day celebrations. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.
While 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution was the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux was “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”.
Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations rolled down the ceremonial boulevard during the annual parade as India displayed its military prowess and its journey as a republic.
The country showcased some of its cutting-edge defence platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, with the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay' registering their presence in the ceremonial parade for the first time.
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) were also part of the parade, according to officials.
The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.
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- 26 Jan 2025 11:09 AM GMT
Traffic advisory issued for Beating Retreat rehearsals on Jan 27, 28
Delhi Police has issued an advisory regarding elaborated traffic arrangements on Monday and Tuesday for the rehearsals of Beating Retreat ceremony which will be held at Vijay Chowk on January 29.
According to the advisory, Vijay Chowk will remain closed for general traffic from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday and Tuesday.
The Beating Retreat ceremony marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations.
Traffic will be restricted on Rafi Marg (between round about Sunehri Masjid and round about Krishi Bhawan), Raisina Road (from round about Krishi Bhawan towards Vijay Chowk), beyond round about Dara Shikoh Road, round about Krishna Menon Marg, and round about Sunehri Masjid towards Vijay Chowk, and Kartavya Path (between Vijay Chowk and 'C'-Hexagon), the advisory said.
Motorists and the general public are advised to take alternate routes including Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Madarsa T-Point, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, Minto Road, etc., it said.
DTC and other city buses will be diverted from their normal routes from 2 pm to 9.30 pm on Monday and Tuesday to facilitate the rehearsals and reduce traffic congestion in and around Vijay Chowk and India Gate, it said.
Buses bound for Central Secretariat and Connaught Place coming from Shanti path, Vinay Marg-m, Sardar Patel Marg will take Panchsheel Marg, Simon Bolivar Marg, Vande Matram Marg, round aboutShankar Road, and Sheikh Mujilbur Rehman Road.
Buses bound for Central Secretariat will terminate at Udyan Marg and return via Kali Bari Marg, Mandir Marg, and Shankar Road.
Connaught Place bound buses will take Mandir Marg, Kali Bari Marg, Baba Khadak Singh Marg and reach Connaught Place and return via Bhagat Singh Marg, Peshwa Road, Mandir Marg, Shankar Road and Vande Matram Marg.
Buses bound for Old Delhi Railway Station, Red Fort and ISBT Kashmiri Gate coming from South side will take Ring Road from AIIMS towards Dhaula Kuan and then Ridge Road, Rani Jhansi Road, it said.
Buses bound from Old Delhi Railway Station, Red Fort and ISBT Kashmiri Gate coming from Ashram side will take Ashram Chowk- Ring Road towards Sarai Kale Khan and proceed further via Raj Ghat, the advisory stated.
Buses coming from Old Delhi Railway Station, Red Fort, Kashmiri Gate and bound for South and South East will take Delhi Gate, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Rajghat, Ring Road, Sarai Kale Khan, and Ashram Chowk.
Buses coming from Vikas Marg and bound for South will take Ring Road, Sarai Kale Khan, and Ashram Chowk.
Buses coming from Connaught Place via Kasturba Gandhi Marg towards India Gate will take Minto Road, DDU Marg, IP Flyover, Ring Road, and Sarai Kale Khan, the advisory added.
- 26 Jan 2025 9:17 AM GMT
Pralay missile makes debut at R-Day parade
For the first time, indigenously developed short-range tactical missile Pralay was showcased at the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path here on Sunday.
The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
It is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg. It has a range of 150 to 500 kms.
The grand parade in the national capital featured an array of indigenously built missiles, surveillance systems and weapon systems reflecting India's growing military prowess.
The DRDO displayed some of its path-breaking innovations to boost national security.
Its tableau, with the theme 'Raksha Kavach -- Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats', comprised quick reaction surface-to-air missile, airborne early warning and control system, 155 mm/52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun system and drone detect, deter and destroy system.
It also included a satellite-based surveillance system, medium-power radar Arudhra, advanced lightweight torpedo, electronic warfare system Dharashakti, laser-based directed-energy weapon and very short-range air defence system.
At Republic Day celebrations, India showcased its rich cultural diversity, development and military prowess with a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution.
Thirty-one tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path on the theme 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas' as part of the celebrations.
In a first, a tri-services tableau displaying the spirit of jointness and integration among the armed forces was also part of the ceremonial event.
The Republic Day flypast did not feature indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.
The armed forces have grounded the fleet following the crash of one of the ALHs this month. The Army, Indian Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard are operating around 330 ALHs.
- 26 Jan 2025 9:12 AM GMT
Owe Padma Bhushan to people: Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag
Seasoned Kannada actor Anant Nag on Sunday said he owes the people of Karnataka for the Padma Bhushan Award.
Nag, whose illustrious career spans over five decades, has been nominated for the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour.
"I owe this award to the people of Karnataka and Kannadigas," he told PTI Videos, dedicating the prestigious recognition to the public that has supported him throughout his career in cinema and small screen.
Anant Nag's artistic journey has left an indelible mark on the film industry, and his fans believe that this honour was long overdue.
Reflecting on his journey, Nag shared that it all began in theatre before he was welcomed into the film industry. However, he emphasised that it is the people of Karnataka who have made this moment possible.
"Three years ago, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Padma awards should involve more public participation, the people of Karnataka responded very positively. They have been suggesting my name for the past three years." "Now that I have received the award, I owe it to them and dedicate it to the people of Karnataka, our Chitra Rasikaru (cinema lovers) and all who have stood by me," Nag said.
According to him, the Padma Bhushan was the culmination of his achievement that came to him at the age of 76.
"Although I never aimed at this award, it is the people's wish, Modi's wish, public should be participating in it. They participated, and today, the award is mine," he summed it up.
When discussing his recent gap from the industry, Anant was candid about the reasons behind it.
"Who knows what will happen tomorrow? I don’t plan things in advance. If I come across a good script or a good role, I might take up something which I haven’t done in the last three years," he admitted.
According to him, he did not stay away from the screen on his own but the scripts and roles made him to do so.
"I have not taken a gap; I have actually been given a gap because the scripts are not to my satisfaction or the roles. And if I am not satisfied, I can’t do it," Nag emphasised.
Anant Nag's journey in the tinsel town started with his debut in Kannada movie 'Sankalpa (1973). He was admired for his role in Kannada movies Bayalu Daari (1976), Kanneshwara Rama (1977), Naa Ninna Bidalaare (1979), Chandanada Gombe (1979), Benkiya Bale (1983), Hendthige Helbedi (1989), Ganeshana Maduve (1990), Gowri Ganesha (1991), Mungaru Male (2006), Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016), Raajakumara (2017), Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai (2018), K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018), K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022) and Gaalipata 2 (2022) He also acted in the 'soul satisfying' art movies. He had acted in renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal's Ankur (1974).
He is specifically remembered for his role of 'Mithaiwala' in famous tele serial 'Malgudi Days' based on the stories of R K Narayan.
The versatile actor had acted in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi cinema.
He acted in over 300 films across different languages and genres Social media welcomed the Centre's decision wholeheartedly and heaped praise on the actor as well as the Centre for choosing Nag.
Congratulatory messages poured in with fans and fellow artists expressing their joy and admiration for the veteran actor.
- 26 Jan 2025 9:08 AM GMT
Rafale's victory roll, Sukhoi-30's 'Trishul' act show-stoppers at R-Day flypast
A stunning victory roll by low-flying Rafale aircraft left viewers gathered on either side of the Kartavya Path spellbound as the 76th Republic Day Parade came to a memorable end on Sunday.
The daring aerial acrobatics by three Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft that came roaring over Kartavya Path at 900 kmph before pulling apart in a Trishul formation just above the India Gate also left the large crowd speechless.
President Droupadi Murmu, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a host of dignitaries and a large crowd gathered for the celebrations were seen applauding the daredevilry of the air warriors.
As the three fighter jets appeared to cross the India Gate, they pulled up, with one rising straight up and two other aircraft tearing away on either side, resembling a Trishul or Trident -- Lord Shiva’s weapon for the destruction of evil.
The final act of the parade was the victory roll by the Rafale aircraft which approached the dias flying at an altitude of 300 metres and pulled up vertically near the saluting dias conducting rolls before stabilising at a higher altitude.
As many as 40 aircraft participated in the flypast which was a master-class in precision flying at tremendous speeds.
Twenty-two fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters took off from 10 different air bases and assembled over the Kartavya Path to perform daring aerial acrobatics before viewers that included President Droupadi Murmu, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a host of dignitaries and large crowd gathered for the celebrations.
The inaugural act of the flypast – Ajay formation – included three Apache Helicopters flying in the 'Vic' formation, followed by the Satluj Formation comprising two Dornier-228 aircraft and one AN-32 aircraft.
Earlier, three Dornier-228 aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard flew in the Rakshak formation, which was followed by the 'Arjan' formation comprising one C-130 aircraft in lead with two C-295 aircraft in echelon flying in 'Vic' formation.
The 'Netra' formation followed comprising one Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft and two Su-30 fighter jets in the echelon flying in 'Vic' formation.
Next to follow was a C-17 Heavy Lift Transport aircraft flanked by two Su 30 MKI air superiority fighters flying in Bheem Formation.
The calmness of the Bheem Formation was shattered by the Amrit formation of the roaring Jaguars – five of which flew over the water channel north of Kartavya Path in the shape of an 'Arrow-head'.
The 'Vajraang' formation consisted of six Rafale aircraft flying in the 'Marut' formation.
- 26 Jan 2025 8:19 AM GMT
10,000 special guests attend R-Day parade
Village sarpanches, disaster relief workers, ASHA workers and Paralympic athletes were among around 10,000 special guests who attended the Republic Day parade here at Kartavya Path on Sunday.
The invitation was sent to the special guests from diverse fields in line with the government's objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' in events of national importance. These included people who made the best use of government schemes.
Sarpanches whose villages achieved targets in selected government initiatives were invited. A national-level competition was announced by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances among panchayats.
Sarpanches, under whom targets in at least six flagship schemes were achieved, were selected as special guests. Over 500 of them from top-performing villages were among the special guests.
Around 300 disaster relief workers, 300 guests from vibrant villages, 400 water warriors, 200 representatives from Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies, 400 from 'Pani Samitis', 400 community resource persons like Krishi Sakhis, Udhyog Sakhis and 200 Self-Help Group members, were among those invited to witness the parade.
Around 200 trainees of Directorate General of Training (DGT) who got training under National Skill Development Corporation, 400 awardees of PM YASASVI scheme, 200 forest and wildlife conservation volunteers/workers, 200 handloom artisans, 200 handicraft artisans, 500 special achievers and tribal beneficiaries of various schemes, 500 ASHA workers, 400 anganwadi workers, 200 Paralympic contingent and winners of international sports events and 400 participants of Mann Ki Baat were also present at special guests.
Other special guests included around 100 patent holders and 100 start-ups, besides 300 road construction workers and beneficiaries of government schemes.
Farmers and families who use renewable energy under PM Surya Ghar scheme and PM KUSUM were also been invited for the first time.
In addition to attending the Republic Day celebrations, the special guests also visited the National War Memorial, PM Sangrahalay and other prominent places in Delhi.
