The Kartavya Path in Delhi is all set to be a visual treat for visitors in this year’s Republic Day celebrations. Some of the finest commentators in India have lent their voices to make the annual ceremonial event over the years memorable for millions across the country. One such voice is that of Gurdev Singh.
Gurdev Singh is the son of the late Jasdev Singh, who was considered the voice of Indian sports on Doordarshan. The 66-year-old has been doing commentary for the Republic Day event for the last eight years. This year (2023) also, he is lending his voice to the event. In an exclusive interview with ABP Live, the veteran commentator laid out the efforts that go into making listeners and viewers see the event, as it happens.
For Singh, who complements his script with impromptu comments, the best part of R-Day commentary is describing the artillery on display.
“Watching our soldiers march, matching their steps, in their uniforms, not only fills us Indians with pride but also raises the feeling of patriotism,” he said. The grand parade is essentially a spectacle of India’s military strength, technological advances and glorious cultural heritage, he further said.
Talking about the flypast, another most interesting part of the parade, Singh said, “It is very challenging for us because it requires us to speak at a high pitch and convey excitement so those sitting at home can feel the same.”
The excitement to watch the event live, on the ground, is something which cannot be explained in words, it can only be felt. The celebration accompanied by all the fanfare and grandeur revives the patriotic spirit in each Indian.
“It is a totally different feeling when one is present at the venue, at the Kartavya Path. One gets emotionally charged. Whereas, sitting at home, in cosy rooms, it is hard to feel that enthusiasm.”
It is undoubtedly a memorable experience to witness the mesmerising parades, air shows by the Indian armed forces, and tableaus by different states. Gurdev Singh dreamt of commentating on Republic Day, just like his father. He also covered Cricket World Cup in 1987 and the Asian Games in 1982. Not just this, he also shared the mic with Novy Kapadia for the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Run in 1995.
To get an unforgettable experience of the annual event with live commentary, it is important to understand the build-up and preparations that go into this. The agency which coordinates all activities related to Republic Day is the Ministry of Defence.
“We start working on the commentary much in advance and since the commentary is live, we have to be prepared for anything that happens. We rely on our experience, homework and our knowledge in GK and history,” Singh said.
The parade is highlighted by the commentary that explains the contingents that march past the ground. Synchronisation is a prime aspect and requires proper planning. Thus, the commentator needs to know it all, like, the weather during that time, who is leading which contingent in the parade, etc.
“Special guest for the parade, for instance this year it is the Egyptian president, who has been invited to be the chief guest- we will have to talk about the president, his background and, the attire he is wearing. We need to also talk about India-Egypt relations in general in between the commentary, the treaties that have been signed between the countries. These are some of the added information we as a commentator keep giving out for keeping the listeners engrossed during the time when delegates and other visitors arrive for the event.”
According to Gurdev Singh, India has come very far as a Republic. The grand annual event has also evolved in many aspects. “Several new things have been incorporated in the Republic Day parade and some old practices have been moved out.” He hailed the increased participation of women in the parade.