Women-Centric 75th Republic Day Celebrations as India welcomes French Prez as chief guest

The upcoming 75th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on January 26 promise a unique and women-centric spectacle, emphasizing India’s democracy and its journey towards becoming a developed nation. Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane revealed the distinctive features of this year’s parade, set to be inaugurated by 100 women artists and featuring an all-women tri-services contingent.

Women-Centric Republic Day Parade:
In an unprecedented move, the Republic Day parade will showcase the talents of 100 women artists leading with Indian musical instruments, symbolizing a tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage. The central highlight will be an all-women tri-services contingent marching down the ceremonial boulevard for the first time. The contingents of central armed police forces will also prominently feature women personnel, marking a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in the armed forces.

French Participation and Fly-Past:
Adding an international flair, a 95-member marching team and a 33-member band contingent from France will participate in the parade. The fly-past will witness the participation of Indian Air Force aircraft, including a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, and two Rafale fighter jets from the French Air Force, enhancing the event’s grandeur.

Special Guest and Themes:
French President Emmanuel Macron is slated to be the chief guest, and the overarching themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat—Loktantra ki Matruka’ underscore the celebration’s focus on India’s progress and its democratic values. The parade will feature tableaux from states and Union Territories, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity, unity, and development.

Anant Sutra Textile Installation:
A unique initiative by the Ministry of Culture involves the installation of ‘Anant Sutra—The Endless Thread’ behind the enclosures, paying homage to the timeless Indian saree. Comprising nearly 1,900 sarees and drapes from across the country, this visually-stunning installation will include QR codes providing information about weaving and embroidery arts.

Special Guests and People’s Participation:
Approximately 13,000 “special guests” have been invited to witness the parade, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari.’ These guests include achievers in various fields and beneficiaries of government schemes, emphasizing inclusivity and recognizing contributions from all walks of life.

Three-Year Roll-Over Plan:
Addressing concerns about non-inclusion of certain states and Union Territories, the defense ministry has devised a unique three-year roll-over plan, ensuring equitable participation in the parade on a rotational basis over this period.

Beating Retreat Ceremony:
The Republic Day celebrations will culminate with the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony at Vijay Chowk on January 29, where bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and central armed police forces will play all Indian tunes. An online competition encouraging people to sing/play Indian tunes, highlighting the sacrifices and patriotism of soldiers, will be held on the MyGov platform.

The 75th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path promise to be a grand spectacle, celebrating India’s democratic spirit and progress. With a focus on women empowerment, international participation, and inclusive representation, the event reflects the nation’s commitment to unity in diversity and sets the stage for a memorable Republic Day.

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