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76th Republic Day Parade 

Last updated on January 27th, 2025 Posted on January 27, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  1312

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

  • During the 76th Republic Day parade, India showcased its military strength and cultural heritage.

About

  • This parade is presided over by the President of India, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces.
  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest at the event. 
76th-Republic-Day-Parade
  • A contingent of 342 members from the Indonesian National Armed Forces also participated in the parade, marking the first time troops from Indonesia joined a foreign parade. 
  • Foreign soldiers took part in the parade for the first time in 2016 with the participation of the French army contingent. 
Do You Know?
– On the first Republic Day celebrations in 1950, India’s first President  headed to Irwin Amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand Stadium) where he raised the national flag and bands played the national anthem. 
1. However, there’s no mention at all of cultural tableaux at this parade.
– In the upcoming years Each state was invited to send a tableau representing some distinctive feature, displaying India’s rich diversity.
– The Irwin Amphitheatre, designed by Robert Torr Russell, was built in 1933 as a gift from the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. 
1. It was renamed the National Stadium in 1951, just before hosting the Asian Games.

Highlights of Military Strength

  • Sanjay and Pralay: The Army’s battle surveillance system “Sanjay” and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) surface-to-surface tactical missile “Pralay” were featured for the first time. 
  • Joint Tri-Services: For the first time, a tri-services tableau, highlighting enhanced synergy among the country’s armed forces was showcased.
    • It depicted a coordinated battlefield scenario, featuring land, air, and naval operations. 
  • Key Military Assets: BrahMos, Pinaka, and Akash systems. 
  • Indian Navy: It showcased indigenous warship design and included models of vessels such as INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer, underlining the country’s progress in maritime security.

Showcasing Women Empowerment

  • Dimple Singh Bhati of the Indian Army created history by becoming the first woman officer to present a salute to the President. 
  • An all-women marching contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
  • The Delhi Police All-Women Band, included four women Sub-Inspectors and 64 women constables from the Brass and Pipe Band units.
  • The ministry of rural development’s tableau on the “Lakhpati Didi Initiative,” which promotes women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and self-reliance. 

Indian Culture

  • The Republic Day parade featured 31 tableaux from 16 states and union territories, as well as central ministries and organizations. 
  • Theme: Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.
  • Uttar Pradesh’s tableau highlighted the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, showcasing scenes of ‘Samudra Manthan,’ ‘Amrit Kalash,’ and holy bathing at the Sangam. 
  • Cultural performance: It spanned the entire Kartavya Path for the first time, over 5,000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 dance forms.
    • The 11-minute performance, titled “Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam,” was curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. 

Other Major Highlights

  • Madhya Pradesh’s tableau focused on the reintroduction of cheetahs in the state.
  • The Ministry of Earth Sciences presented a tableau themed around the celebration of 150 years of India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

Significance

  • It marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
    • January 26 is chosen to honour the declaration of Purna Swaraj made by the Indian National Congress on January 26, 1930.
  • It honors the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to bestow bravery awards upon military personnel and citizens. 
  • It also pays tribute to the Constitution’s principles and the democratic framework it established, highlighting values such as justice, equality, and fraternity.
Beating Retreat Ceremony
– It is a ceremony that marks the end of Republic Day festivities.
– Held on: January 29, three days after Republic Day, at the Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. 
– It features a musical performance by the bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). 
– The ceremony is presided over by the President of India. 
– It was first held in the 1950s, during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. 
1. Since then, the ceremony has become an annual event to pay tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces.

Source: TOI

 
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