New Delhi – On the occasion of India's 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path, accompanied by Indian Navy Officers Lieutenant Shubham Kumar and Lieutenant Yogita Saini. The ceremony was marked by a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns, presented by the ceremonial battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
President Murmu, along with her Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, arrived in a gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy escorted by the Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak, the President’s Bodyguard. The reintroduction of the buggy, used for Republic Day ceremonies until 1984, adds a touch of tradition to the event.
VIDEO | President of India Droupadi Murmu unfurls national flag at Kartavya Path. #RepublicDay #RepublicDayParade #RepublicDayWithPTI pic.twitter.com/fN2GYlhkeO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025
The Republic Day parade began with President Murmu taking the salute, led by Parade Commander Lt. Gen. Bhavnish Kumar and Parade Second-in-Command Maj. Gen. Sumit Mehta. The procession honored gallantry awardees, including Param Vir Chakra recipients Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd.) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd.), alongside Ashok Chakra recipient Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh (Retd.).
Celebrating Heritage and Progress
The 76th Republic Day marks the platinum jubilee of the Constitution's enactment. The theme, "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), showcased India's cultural legacy and aspirations for the future. Sixteen state tableaux and 15 from central ministries depicted India's vibrant diversity and developmental milestones.
Cutting-edge defense systems, including BrahMos, Pinaka, Akash, and DRDO’s tactical missile Pralay, debuted in the parade. Iconic military platforms like the T-90 Bhishma tanks, Agnibaan rocket launchers, and Bajrang light specialist vehicles highlighted India's defense prowess.
For the first time, the parade featured a tri-services tableau themed "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (Strong and Secure India), demonstrating synchronized land, air, and water operations.
Cultural Extravaganza
The parade included a grand cultural performance titled "Jayati Jaya Mama Bharatam," with 5,000 artists performing over 45 dance forms. The 11-minute spectacle spanned the entire Kartavya Path, ensuring a unified viewing experience for all attendees.
Remembering the Journey
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to martyrs at the National War Memorial before the parade. The event traced India’s transformation since adopting its Constitution on January 26, 1950, a journey rooted in democracy, justice, and unity.
The Republic Day celebrations culminated in a spectacular flypast featuring 40 Indian Air Force aircraft and three Dornier planes from the Coast Guard, symbolizing India’s strength and ambition on the global stage.
As India commemorates 75 years of the Constitution, the 76th Republic Day embodies the nation's unwavering commitment to its heritage and future progress.
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