1. India marked its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, with a grand parade in New Delhi.
2. The celebrations at Kartavya Path highlighted India’s military prowess, cultural diversity, and a significant emphasis on women’s empowerment, known as ‘Nari Shakti.’
3. The event showcased historic firsts, including the participation of an all-women tri-services contingent and the leadership of women officers in military displays.

New Delhi, Jan 26: India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, with grandeur and historical significance. The nation’s capital, New Delhi, hosted a spectacular parade at Kartavya Path, emphasizing India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and a special focus on women’s empowerment, or ‘Nari Shakti.’

Key Highlights:

  1. Historic All-Women Tri-Services Contingent:
    • The parade witnessed a groundbreaking moment as, for the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent participated.
    • Fifteen women pilots showcased their skills in the Indian Air Force’s fly-past.
    • The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents exclusively comprised women personnel.
  2. Landmark Participation of Women Officers:
    • Lieutenants Deepti Rana and Priyanka Sevda, part of the Regiment of Artillery, led the ‘Swathi’ weapon locating radar and Pinaka rocket system. They were among the first 10 women officers commissioned into the regiment the previous year.
  3. Musical Prelude by Women Artistes:
    • Over 100 women artists played traditional Indian musical instruments, such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada, marking a departure from the traditional military bands.
  4. Military Hardware Display:
    • India’s armed forces showcased indigenous military hardware, including missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars, and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles.
  5. Homage at National War Memorial:
    • The ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial, honoring the fallen heroes.
  6. International Participation:
    • A combined band and marching contingent from the French Armed Forces joined the parade, symbolizing the strong bilateral ties between India and France.
  7. Cultural Depictions through Tableaux:
    • Sixteen tableaux from various states and Union territories, along with nine from central ministries and departments, rolled down Kartavya Path, depicting India’s diverse cultural heritage.
    • The theme of “women empowerment” was prominently highlighted in these tableaux.
  8. Security Measures:
    • Over 70,000 security personnel were deployed throughout New Delhi to ensure the safety of the event.
    • Stringent security protocols, including commando deployments and anti-sabotage checks, were in place for the safety of an estimated 77,000 spectators at Kartavya Path.
  9. Traditional Buggy Arrival:
    • President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at Kartavya Path in the ‘traditional buggy,’ reinstating a practice that returned after a 40-year hiatus.
  10. Traffic Restrictions:
    • To facilitate the celebrations, no traffic movement was allowed on Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate starting from 6 pm on Thursday, with restrictions continuing until the conclusion of the parade.
Also Read: ITBP Jawans Celebrate 75th Republic Day on Peaks of Indo-China Border in Arunachal

The 75th Republic Day celebrations not only showcased India’s military might and cultural diversity but also marked a significant step forward in recognizing and celebrating the contribution of women to the country’s armed forces and society at large.