
India is to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, with great pomp and show of military might, cultural heritage, and progress along Kartavya Path. This year’s celebrations mark 75 years of the Indian Constitution, highlighting the confluence of ‘Virasat’ (heritage) and ‘Vikas’ (development).
As such, President Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest and will be accompanied by 352 members of the marching and band contingent from Indonesia. Subianto is the fourth Indonesian president to visit the event and follows in the footsteps of Sukarno, who attended as the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.
The theme for the tableaux of this year would be ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ including 16 states and Union Territory tableaux, and 15 central ministries/organisations that will reflect on India’s glory and its multifaceted rich culture.
Cutting-edge defense platforms, the likes of the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket systems, and Akash air defence system will spell out India’s military prowess. New additions include the Army’s ‘Battle Surveillance System’ ‘Sanjay’ and DRDO’s tactical missile ‘Pralay.’
The parade will also have T-90 Bhishma tanks, Sarath infantry combat vehicles, and advanced indigenous weaponry like Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher systems ‘Agnibaan’ and ‘Bajrang’. A tri-services tableau will present the joint capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force under the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India).
The Defence Research and Development Organisation will have a tableau on display called ‘Raksha Kavach,’ showcasing multi-layered protection against modern threats.
The Republic Day celebrations will be preceded by a National Salute and a dazzling display of cultural unity. Over 300 artistes from all regions of India will render the iconic ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ on traditional instruments.
There will be a breathtaking flypast with 40 aircraft of the Indian Air Force and three Dornier planes of the Indian Coast Guard. The Indian Army will feature a mounted column, eight mechanised columns and six marching contingents, one of which would be the 61 Cavalry.
Reiterating the importance of the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ reform in her speech on the eve of Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu described it as a transformative step that would enhance governance, reduce financial burdens, and prevent policy paralysis. President Murmu also hailed India’s achievements in space exploration, sports, and chess by mentioning D. Gukesh as the youngest World Chess Champion.
President Droupadi Murmu Addresses the Nation
On the eve of the 76th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, emphasizing the transformative potential of the proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ reform. She described the initiative as a bold step toward enhancing India’s governance framework, emphasizing its capacity to prevent policy paralysis, reduce resource diversion, and alleviate financial burdens associated with frequent elections. President Murmu expressed optimism that this reform will redefine good governance by increasing coherence and effectiveness in the administration process of the country. “This reform holds immense promise for India, unlocking potential for more seamless and integrated governance,” she added.
Full text of the address of President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of 76th Republic Day
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 25, 2025
English: https://t.co/Jwp3aMZbQT
Hindi: https://t.co/Dze8z8Qk7T pic.twitter.com/0993CsGFgm
PM Narendra Modi will pay his floral tributes to the martyrs of India by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial before the parade gets underway.
The national capital is under a multi-layered security shield for the celebrations. As many as 15,000 police personnel have been deployed around the city, which is further complemented by video surveillance, facial recognition systems, and thousands of CCTV cameras at key locations.
DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla confirmed the measures and informed that rehearsals and briefings have taken place keeping in view all eventualities. Vehicle checks and frisking are at places to ensure public safety.
As India celebrates 75 years of its Constitution, the 76th Republic Day is expected to be a grand affair. This will represent the hallmark of a progressive and secure nation.
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