Republic Day 2025 Highlights: Brilliance Of Military & Culture On Kartavyapath
Republic Day 2025: President Droupadi Murmu accepted the salute as parade started on Sunday, January 26, 2025, the 76th Republic Day parade started at the iconic Kartavya Path, with President Droupadi Murmu accepting the ceremonial salute. The parade was led by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, Parade Commander and General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area, assisted by Major General Sumit Mehta, Parade Second-in-Command and Chief of Staff at HQ Delhi Area. Republic Day 2025 Highlights Tributes and Ceremonies Headed by Country’s Leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the day by paying homage at the National War Memorial. The head of state, President Murmu, hoisted the National Flag to signal the formal commencement of the celebrations. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Addresses the Event as Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as the chief guest along with President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, Cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and other dignitaries. Subianto’s participation holds historical significance, as Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, was the guest of honor at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950. A 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia also took part, marking the first time an Indonesian group performed at a national day parade abroad. President’s Buggy: President Draupadi Murmu arrived at the Republic Day Parade in the ceremonial buggy along with the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The buggy was seen at the Republic Day parade grounds after 40 years, as it was discontinued after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination due to safety reasons. And the same buggy was used to take the ride back to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by both Presidents. Celebrating 75 Years of the Constitution this year’s Republic Day bore a special meaning as it is 75 years since India had its Constitution enforced in 1950. Referring to Republic Day message, President Murmu underlines the phenomenal progression of the country as a youth republic. Heritage and Progress in Tableaux Uttar Pradesh Tableau Showcases Maha Kumbh 2025: The Uttar Pradesh tableau showcased Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, symbolising the coming together of ‘virasat’ and ‘vikas’. Depictions of ‘Samudra Manthan’, ‘Amrit Kalash’, and holy men bathing in the Sangam evoked applause from the audience. Women and Child Development Tableau: The Ministry of Women and Child Development presented a tableau titled “Motherhood, Life Cycle Continuum Approach, and Women-Led Development.” The presentation highlighted initiatives such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and Saksham Anganwadis along with empowerment, education, and overall care. Tri-Services Unity and Indigenous Strength on Display: The parade presented a tableau symbolizing the unity of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. With the Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft, and advanced light helicopters on display, the exhibition portrayed India’s indigenous military prowess. The audience was held enthralled by a grand fly-by of 40 aircraft and helicopters. Cultural and Musical Performances Enliven the EventThe parade included 16 state and Union Territory tableaux and 10 from various central ministries, all themed around “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.” Musical performances by 300 cultural artists played ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on diverse regional instruments. Historic Firsts at Republic Day 2025: School bands make history for the first time when three government school bands, which had two all-girl teams, performed in the parade. Among them is the Pipe Band Girls Team from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya of Jharkhand, which symbolises an inspiring achievement story. Indonesian Military Participation: With 190 members participating in a band from Indonesia’s Military Academy accompanied by a marching contingent made history in their participation that further cements the two countries’ ties with each other. Gallantry Award Winners and Daredevils Add SplendorWinners of the highest gallantry awards, including the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, led the parade. The day concluded with daredevil stunts and a breathtaking air show. Flower Petals and Balloons Mark a Spectacular Finish: With Mi-17 IV helicopters showering flower petals on Kartavya Path and balloons bearing banners that mark 75 years of the Constitution, the ceremony ended. The national anthem marked the culmination of the grand event, and this marked the dawn of India’s unity, heritage, and progress. Nari Shakti On Full Display: A 148-member all-women marching contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M caught the eye while showcasing the spirit of ‘Nari Shakti’ as it marched down the Kartavya Path as the nation celebrated its 76th Republic Day. The CRPF Mahila Contingent was one of the contingents that demonstrated the courage and valour of India during the Republic Day Parade. It consists of women selected from units that are stationed across the country to carry out anti-insurgency, anti-Naxal, and law and order duties. It depicts a mini-India since it has personnel from Mahila belonging to all parts of the country. The military stunt groups performed on the the Kartavya Path were led by our courageous women contingents of Army and Air Force. A very proud moment for the entire country after such a grand presentation. Conclusion: The last day ended with a let loose of balloons with banners carrying inscriptions on 75 years of India’s Constitution, a historic landmark. This Republic Day stood as a testament to the nation’s resilience and unflinching commitment towards a brighter future for one and all.
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