New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial (NWM) on Thursday morning before participating in the 74th Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his arrival.
The Inter Services Guards were founded by 7 Soldiers from each service. This year, the guards will be commanded by an Air Force Officer, Sqn Ldr Akash Ganghas. When PM Modi laid the wreath, the Inter-Services Guards presented `Salami Shastra' followed by 'Shok Shastra'. Simultaneously, the buglers sounded the 'Last Post'.
Thereafter, 'two minutes silence' was observed, after which the buglers played 'Rouse' and the guards presented 'Salami Shastra' again. The Prime Minister then endorsed his remarks in the digital Visitor's Book of the National War Memorial. Later, PM Modi and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the Republic Day parade.
President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day from Kartavya Path, formerly the Raj Path. This year's Republic Day celebration shall witness zeal, enthusiasm, as PM Modi envisioned. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2023.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be the Chief Guest at the parade this year. The week-long celebrations began on January 23, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The events will culminate on 30th January, which is observed as Martyrs' Day.
The Republic Day parade, which will begin at around 1030 hrs, will be a unique mix of the country's military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country's growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti, and the emergence of a 'New India'.
This year's Republic Day celebration will witness the country's military prowess, cultural diversity, and many other unique initiatives. Building on last year's celebrations, in the 75th year of Independence, celebrated as 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', the celebrations this year shall witness zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and 'Jan Bhagidari', as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With 6,000 security personnel and a total of 24 help desks along with anti-sabotage checks, verification drives and patrolling, the Delhi Police has stepped up security measures in view of the Republic Day celebrations in and around the national capital. Anti-sabotage checks are being conducted in markets, high footfall areas and other prominent places by the Bomb Disposal Team along with dog squads, police said. Around 60,000 to 65,000 people are expected to take part in Republic Day celebrations, police said.
In Noida and Greater Noida, Police personnel, including several in civil clothes have reviewed security arrangements at malls and crowded areas as bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs were also deployed for the inspections ahead of Republic Day. The inspections were also carried out at hotels, metro stations, bus stands and local markets among places that witness large footfall, especially on Republic Day, the police said.