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 8:17 AM GMT
In a first, three govt schools bands perform at R-Day parade
In a first, bands from three government schools, including two all-girl teams, performed during the 76th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, drawing applause from the audience.
The school bands were among 16 teams competing in the Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition which took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on January 24-25.
The Pipe Band Girls Team from PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Patamda in Jharkhand showcased an inspiring journey of determination and achievement.
The 25-member team comprised girls from underprivileged families, many reliant on farming and daily labour. For most, this was their first train journey to Delhi. They received guidance from instructors of the Sikh Regiment and Punjab Regiment located at Ramgarh Army Regimental Centre.
According to Ministry of Education (MoE) officials, the team has been practising the pipe band for the past three years. In the 2024-25 State-Level (Inter-District) School Band Competition held in Ranchi, the team claimed first place in the pipe band category, surpassing the previous year's champions and a strong Ranchi district team.
"Emerging from humble beginnings in remote villages, these determined young girls committed themselves to mastering the pipe band, braving freezing mornings and enduring long, gruelling practice sessions with unwavering dedication,” a senior official said.
The Brass Band Girls’ Team from Government West Point Senior Secondary School, Sikkim, and the Pipe Band (boys) contingent of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No 2 Belagavi Cantt in Karnataka, also made spectacular performances.
- 26 Jan 2025 7:46 AM GMT
Loud sound triggers panic in Guwahati amid R-Day celebrations
A loud sound was heard in Guwahati on Sunday amid Republic Day celebrations, triggering panic among the people.
Police said the sound was heard at the truck parking near the Brahmaputra vegetable market in the Beharbari area.
"The local police are examining it," a senior official from Assam Police Headquarters told PTI.
An employee of Brahmaputra Bazar said, "It was around 7.45 am. After we hoisted the national flag inside our compound, we heard the sound. We came running out. There was no injury or damage to any property." Locals claimed that a similar sound was heard in Rehabari, but police said nothing of that sort happened there and it was a rumour.
Meanwhile, an unattended bag near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Betkuchi triggered panic. Police said the entire area was sanitised and a thorough search was carried out by an anti-sabotage team.
"We did not find anything inside it other than clothes and some ID cards. Probably someone mistakenly left it. We will return the bag after proper verification of the owner," a police officer said.
The banned ULFA (I) purportedly sent an e-mail to the press later in the day, claiming responsibility for "blasts" at two places in Guwahati.
- 26 Jan 2025 7:45 AM GMT
5000 artists, 45 dance forms: Cultural performance covers entire Kartavya Path for first time
Over 5000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 dance forms from different parts of the country during the 76th Republic Day, with the performers covering the entire Kartavya Path — for the first time — to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.
The 11-minute cultural performance titled “Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam” was curated by Sangeet Natak Academy.
The choreographed artistic presentation was brought alive through the rich and colourful legacy of tribal and folk forms of the country as a tribute to the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The choreography celebrated the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘Virasat bhi Vikas bhi’, and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. The lyrics for ‘Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam’ presentation were written by Subhash Sehgal and the music was composed by Shankar Mahadevan.
The 5,000 folk and tribal artists brought their dance forms to life with their own original and authentic costumes, jewellery, headgear, and traditional props like spears, swords and drums. - 26 Jan 2025 7:45 AM GMT
Former Ob-Gyn head at Delhi AIIMS gets Padma Shri
Dr Neerja Bhatla, Former head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the AIIMS Delhi has been awarded with the prestigious Padma Shri for her contribution in the detection, prevention and management of cervical cancer.
Bhatla played a key role in creating resource-based guidelines for cervical cancer screening, management and HPV vaccination.
She has worked for the prevention and elimination of cervical cancer for the last 35 years in low-resource settings. - 26 Jan 2025 7:43 AM GMT
Eight Manipur Police officers receive President's medal
Eight Manipur police officers have been awarded the 'President's Medal for Distinguished Service' and 'Medal for Meritorious Service' an official statement said on Sunday.
Deputy SP/CID (SB) Sorokhaibam Rudranarayan Singh was awarded the President's Medal for Distinguished Service, the statement said.
Inspector Laishram Chaoba Singh of CID(SB), Jemadar Naorem Seilendra Singh of 1st IRB, sub-inspector Sorokhaibam Santosh Singh, Jemadar Khaidem Chandra Singh, havildar Lenpu Kom of 4th IRB, riflemen Lamthianson Chongloi of 1st IRB and assistant sub-inspector Athokpam Tej Singh were awarded Medal for Meritorious Service, it added.
