Celebrating sovereignty: Power, pride of India’s Republic Day

India is set to showcase its military prowess and rich cultural heritage and display a symbolic confluence of 'virasat' and 'vikas' on Kartavya Path here to mark the 76th Republic Day on January 26 when the nation will also commemorate the platinum jubilee of the enactment of the Constitution.

Chief Guest and Historical Significance

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest on the occasion, and the ceremonial parade will also see participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from Indonesia. He will be 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.

Theme and Tableaux

While 75 years of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaux is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'. Sixteen tableaux from across states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments, and organisations will roll down the ceremonial boulevard on Sunday.

Military Display

The country will display its military prowess by showcasing some of the 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' set to register 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) will also be part of the parade, officials said on Thursday.

Tri-Services Tableau

The parade will see many other firsts as well, such as the tri-services tableau that will depict the spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces. The tableau would display 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, according to the Defence Ministry. The theme of the tri-services tableau will be 'Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat' (Strong and Secure India).

Presidential Address and Tribute

President Droupadi Murmu will deliver an address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day. This January 26 will carry extra significance as India's Constitution, which came into effect on this historic day in 1950, completes 75 years. The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. Before the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying tribute to the country's martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

Parade Details

The parade will begin in the morning with the National Salute and will continue for 90 minutes, reflecting the journey of India's heritage and growth. C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I, MiG-29 and Su-30, among other aircraft, will also take part in the celebrations. The ceremonial parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artistes playing 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' on musical instruments representing different parts of the country.

Command Structure

Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area will be the Parade Commander, while Parade Second-in-Command will be Chief of Staff (COS), Delhi Area, Maj Gen Sumit Mehta. Maj Gen Mehta said that the event will showcase India's military prowess with a number of cutting-edge platforms and a range of vibrant tableaux depicting the country's heritage.

Honoring Heroes

Two Param Vir Chakra awardees — both Kargil war heroes — and one Ashok Chakra awardee will be part of the parade. The flypast will feature 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard. The Indian Army will be represented by a mounted column, eight mechanised columns, and six marching contingents.

Participation of Women

Capt Ritika Khareta will be the contingent commander of a marching contingent of the Army's Corps of Signals. The officer is the only woman member of her contingent while most are men. There will also be a motorcycle display by daredevils of the Corps of Signals. Capt Ashish Rana will be its leader and Capt Dimple Singh Bhati is second in line. Capt Rana said Capt Bhati would become the "first woman officer" from the Army to give a ladder-born salute to the president in history.

Participating States

States that will display their tableaux during the 76th Republic Day Parade include Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, and Chandigarh among Union Territories.

(Except for the headline, nothing has been changed by All India News Network in the PTI copy.)