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 7:17 AM GMT
India's military prowess on full display at R-Day parade
In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital.
It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter.
The theme of the tri-services tableau was "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (strong and secure India).
The first Army contingent leading the mounted column was 61 Cavalry, led by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar. Raised in 1953, 61 Cavalry is the only serving active horsed cavalry regiment in the world. It was followed by nine mechanised columns and nine marching contingents.
Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG missile systems, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system, the Agnibaan multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Akash weapon system, the integrated battlefield surveillance system and all-terrain vehicle Chetak were among the key displays by the mechanised columns.
Light specialist vehicle Bajrang, vehicle-mounted infantry mortar system Airawat, quick reaction force vehicles Nandighosh and Tripurantak and the short-span bridging system were also on display.
The Army's marching contingents included the Brigade of the Guards, the Jat Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Mahar Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment and the Corps of Signals.
The Indian Navy's contingent consisted of 144 personnel led by Lieutenant Commander Sahil Ahluwalia as the contingent commander and Lt Commander Indresh Choudhary, Lt Commander Kajal Anil Bharani and Lt Devender as platoon commanders.
It was followed by the Naval tableau, depicting a strong "Aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) Navy, capable of protecting India's maritime interests.
The tableau showcased the newly-commissioned indigenous frontline state-of-the-art combatants, including destroyer INS Surat, frigate INS Nilgiri and submarine INS Vaghsheer, highlighting India's rapid progress in indigenous warship design and construction.
The Indian Air Force's (IAF) contingent comprised four officers and 144 personnel, led by Squadron Leader Mahender Singh Garati. It was followed by a fly-past by three MiG-29 aircraft in "Baaz formation".
Another highlight of the parade was the veterans' tableau on the theme "Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar", a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering spirit of the ex-servicemen towards the nation.
Several veterans who brought glory to India in sports were also part of the parade.
Representing "Nari Shakti" (women power) at the parade were veteran women officers -- Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha.
In its tableau, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed many home-grown critical systems and technologies developed by it.
The DRDO tableau, with the theme "Raksha Kavach -- Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats" featured the quick reaction surface-to-air missile, the airborne early warning and control system, the 155 mm/52-calibre advanced towed artillery gun system and the drone detect, deter and destroy system.
It also showcased the satellite-based surveillance system, medium power radar Arudhra, advanced lightweight torpedo, electronic warfare system Dharashakti, the laser-based directed energy weapon, the very short range air defence system and the unmanned aerial system.
It was for the first time that the indigenously-developed Pralay missile system was showcased.
Among the contingents marching down Kartavya Path were a 148-member all-women marching contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M.
The Assam Rifles contingent was led by Captain Karanveer Singh Kumbhavat of 29 Assam Rifles. It comprised soldiers recruited from all over the country.
The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) was under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.
The all-girls marching contingent of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was led by Senior Under Officer Ekta Kumari of the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Directorate.
The all-boys marching contingent was led by Senior Under Officer Prasad Prakash Waikul of the Maharashtra Directorate.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) marching contingent of 148 volunteers was led by Deepak from Punjab.
The Corps of Signals motorcycle rider display team, famously known as "The Dare Devils", carried out breath-taking stunts during a motorcycle display.
The team showcased its bravery and determination through a number of formations, including Bullet Salute, Tank Top, Double Jimmy, Devils Down, Ladder Salute, Shatrujeet, Shraddhanjali, Mercury Peak, Info Warriors, Lotus and Human Pyramid.
The celebrations ended with a jaw-dropping flypast by 40 aircraft and helicopters of the IAF.
The fleet included 22 fighter jets, 11 transport aircraft and seven helicopters.
These included Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, C-130, C-295, C-17, AWACS, Dornier-228 and An-32 aircraft. The helicopters were Apache and Mi-17.
The platforms displayed a variety of formations, including Dhwaj, Ajay, Satluj, Rakshak, Arjan, Netra, Bheem, Amrit, Vajrang, Trishul and Vijay.
The concluding Vertical Charlie manoeuvre was performed by a Rafale fighter aircraft.
- 26 Jan 2025 7:11 AM GMT
Indians abroad celebrate 76th Republic Day
An enthusiastic Indian diaspora dressed in vibrant traditional dresses on Sunday celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day at the country's missions abroad where the national tri-colour was unfurled.
In Beijing, officials and diaspora members attended the flag unfurling ceremony on the premises of the Indian Embassy.
India's Ambassador to China Pradeep Rawat read out the important parts of the President's speech.
"Ambassador unfurled tri-colour at @EOIBeijing marking the #76thRepublicDay. He also read the Hon'ble President's Republic Day message to Embassy officials and members of the Indian community who attended the ceremony in large numbers. The event also included vibrant cultural performances," the Indian Embassy in China said in a post on X along with some pictures.
In Sri Lanka, the island nations' Navy band performed Indian patriotic tunes in a demonstration of the cultural closeness between the two countries.
"Celebrating #RepublicDay2025. Acting HC @DrSatyanjal unfurled the #Tiranga at India House this morning. Members of the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka joined the festivities with their patriotic fervour and resolve to realise #ViksitBharat," the High Commission of India in Colombo said in a post on X.
"#SriLankaNavy band performed Indian patriotic tunes in a demonstration of our cultural closeness. India’s rich diversity was brought to life by music and dance performances by young students of the Indian Cultural Association and @iccr_colombo," it said.
Also, Acting High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey and other officials paid tributes at the IPKF Memorial, honouring Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for peace and unity in Sri Lanka. In Singapore, High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule was joined by an estimated 2,500 Indians living in Singapore to celebrate the 76th Republic Day at the chancery.
Ambule read the President's message to the country, which updated the Indian diaspora on the country’s progress.
Students from Indian schools in the city-state sang patriotic songs and performed traditional dances. An exhibition showcased products by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd and the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the constitution of India as well as the State Bank of India.
In the Philippines, Ambassador Harsh K Jain unfurled the national flag at the India House and read out the address given by President Droupadi Murmu.
Then there were cultural programmes and the awarding of certificates to the top performers in the Philippines in the Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz. Around 300 people from the Indian diaspora and friends of India attended the function.
In Indonesia, Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour by the Indian community & friends of India.
"Cd’A @kgl123 unfurled the Tricolour, followed by the National Anthem, reading of Hon’ble President's Address to the Nation. Vibrant cultural performances added to the patriotic fervour of the day," the Indian Embassy in Jakarta said in a post on X.
Also, Deputy Chief of Mission Indonesia Bijay Selvaraj paid homage to Indian martyrs of World War II at the Commonwealth War Memorial, Menteng Pulo Jakarta.
