New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced the Republic Day 2024 celebrations with a solemn tribute to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. Following the tribute, he documented his thoughts in the digital book present at the memorial.
Accompanied by dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron, the leaders proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade. Murmu and Macron were escorted into the parade by the President’s Bodyguard ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak’ in the ‘Traditional Buggy.’ This use of the buggy was discontinued after 1984 due to security reasons.
The ceremony unfolded with the unfurling of the national flag, accompanied by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns. Over 100 female artists initiated the parade with traditional Indian musical instruments.
The French Armed Forces showcased their prowess in a combined Band and Marching contingent, followed by a spectacular flypast featuring a Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets.
The Mechanised Column, led by the historic 61 Cavalry, showcased India’s military might with displays of T-90 Bhishma tanks, NAG Missile System, and other advanced weaponry.
A historic moment unfolded as the oldest infantry regiment, the Madras Regiment, marched down Kartavya Path, followed by the all-women Tri-Services contingent, Armed Forces Medical Services, and the BSF Mahila Brass Band, emphasising ‘Nari Shakti.’
Tableaux from 16 states and Union Territories exhibited India’s rich cultural diversity, with highlights including Haryana’s ‘Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan’ and Arunachal Pradesh’s depiction of the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) showcased the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. A cultural extravaganza titled ‘Vande Bharatam’ presented by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture showcased the cultural expression of women’s power, featuring 1,500 female dancers performing 30 different dance styles.
Highlighting ‘Nari Shakti,’ the parade featured the BSF Mahila Brass Band, women contingent of the Border Security Force, and women personnel of CRPF, BSF, and SSB performing daredevil stunts on motorcycles.
The Indian Air Force’s ‘fly-past’ included 54 aircraft and helicopters, featuring vintage and modern models such as ‘Tejas,’ Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29 Upgrade, and helicopters like Apaches and Advanced Light Helicopters.
President’s Bodyguard escorted President Murmu and President Macron back to Rashtrapati Bhavan after the parade’s conclusion. Prime Minister Modi concluded the event by greeting special invitees and the public.
