President Droupadi Murmu, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Chief Guests for this year’s Republic Day, was formally welcomed at the saluting base on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the distinguished visitors, signalling the official commencement of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Following established protocol, the President’s Bodyguard, known as ‘Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak’, the Indian Army’s seniormost regiment, escorted the President and the Chief Guests to Kartavya Path.
Reviving a ceremonial practice discontinued more than 40 years ago, the dignitaries travelled in a traditional buggy, adding a sense of grandeur and heritage to the occasion. Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended greetings to Vice President CP Radhakrishnan.
Republic Day Parade
This year’s Republic Day Parade will present a distinctive blend of history, strength and culture, marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ alongside a showcase of India’s military capabilities. Advanced defence systems such as the BrahMos and Akash missiles will be on display, while 30 colourful tableaux will reflect the nation’s diverse cultural landscape.
The parade holds special significance as the nation stages its first such event since Operation Sindoor last year and showcases an enhanced demonstration of military preparedness.
A spectacular flypast involving 29 aircraft will include Rafale and Su-30 fighter jets, P8i and C-295 aircraft, MiG-29s, Apache helicopters, Light Combat Helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopters and Mi-17s, flying in coordinated formations.
In addition to the military display, participants of Prime Minister Modi’s radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, construction workers from Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis and nearly 10,000 special guests from various sectors will attend the celebrations.
As per the Defence Ministry, these invitees include individuals recognised for outstanding work in employment generation, innovation, research, start-ups, self-help groups and flagship government initiatives.
The parade will also feature a grand cultural presentation by 2,500 performers, celebrating ‘Vande Mataram’ and the spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Also Read: PM Modi Extends Republic Day Greetings; Calls For Renewed Nation-Building Effort
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