President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in commemorating the 75th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in Delhi this morning. French President Emmanuel Macron attended as the Chief Guest as India displayed its rich cultural diversity and military strength. With the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’, the 75th Republic Day parade focused on women empowerment.
A 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France also participated in the Republic Day parade. Alongside Indian Air Force aircraft, a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft from the French Air Force joined the fly-past.
For the first time, the 75th Republic Day parade featured 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments to herald the event. The parade commenced with the melodious tunes of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. played by these talented women.
The parade also witnessed an all-women tri-service contingent marching down Kartavya Path for the first time, along with women personnel from the CAPF contingents.
Adding to the grandeur, a group of 1,500 dancers under the banner of “Vande Bharatam-Nari Shakti” graced the parade, showcasing unity in diversity. Their performance included 30 distinctive folk dance styles, such as Kuchipudi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Satriya, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Manipuri, contemporary classical dance, and Bollywood styles.
265 women showcased the strength of ‘Nari Shakti’ as they performed various stunts on motorcycles during the 75th Republic Day parade, demonstrating bravery, valor, and determination. The women bikers from the CRPF, BSF, and SSB exemplified Indian values, including yoga. Assistant Commandant Seema Nag led the ‘Commandant Abhivadan’ display, followed by HC Rita Bisht and seven others presenting ‘Lakshita’.
The Indian Air Force marching contingent, led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur, Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, Squadron Leader Pratiti Ahluwalia, and Flight Lieutenant Kirit Rohil, marched down Kartavya Path. The IAF motto ‘Nabh Sprisham Deeptam’ is inscribed below the Himalayan Eagle in Devanagari.
The celebrations culminated with a breathtaking flypast by 46 aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
