As India celebrates its 74th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations at Kartavya Path on Thursday and unfurled the national flag. The flag hoisting was followed by the National Anthem with a customary 21-gun salute.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is the chief guest at the parade. At the time when the Indian constitution was enforced, India was already independent of colonial rule. It is the reason why the President, who is the first citizen and constitutional head of the country unfurls the flag.
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The 21-gun salute was fired by 105-mm Indian Field Guns, one of many firsts during the Republic Day 2023 celebrations. It replaces the old 25-pounder gun, which is a nod to the growing "Aatmanirbharta" in defense. At Kartavya Path, four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters from the 105 Helicopter Unit will sprinkle flower petals on the audience.
The much-awaited Republic Day parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute. The Gun Salute was presented by the Ceremonial Battery of 871 Field Regiment. The Ceremonial Battery was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vikas Kumar, SM. The Gun position officer was Naib Subedar Anoop Singh, reported news agency ANI.
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The National Flag was unfurled at Kartvya Path by an Air Force Officer, Flt Lt Komal Rani as the National Anthem was played in teh background.
The Republic Day parade is led by Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, a second-generation Army officer, who has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
In her maiden speech on Republic Day after she assumed the office as the President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 25 last year, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said India succeeded as a democratic republic because so many creeds and languages "have not divided but united us".
The 74th Republic Day celebrations were kicked off with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial and paying tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
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.
The Republic Day parade will be a unique mix of the country’s military prowess & cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a ‘New India'.
The week-long celebrations commenced on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. To mark the occasion, a one-of-a-kind Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya - Parv Parakram ka’ was organised in New Delhi on 23rd& 24th January. The events will culminate on 30th January, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day.
The celebrations are marked by attractive performances from Vande Bharatam group of dancers from across the country, tales of bravery by Veer Gatha 2.0 participants, melodious performances by School Bands at the National War Memorial, first-ever e-invitations, the largest-ever drone show and 3-D anamorphic projection.
The President of India also bestows the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra upon gallant soldiers, and the Padma Awards are given to the nation's deserving civilians.
A total of 23 tableaux showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage, economic progress and strong internal and external security will be one of the highlights of the R-Day celebration. It will include 17 tableaux from states and union territories and 6 tableaux from various ministries and departments.
Six Agniveers will be part of the Navy's marching contingent during the 74th Republic Day celebrations on Thursday when the ceremonial parade will take place on the Kartavya Path amid patriotic fervour, a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on the eve of the celebrations said.