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NEW DELHI: India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on Thursday, January 26, with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. As per tradition, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrations by unfurling the national flag at the revamped Kartavaya Path, followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-Gun Salute.
President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, was the Guest of Honour for the 74th Republic Day celebrations. A 120-member Egyptian contingent accompanied him on the R-Day Parade. The official celebrations began around 7:30 AM with the unfurling of the flag by President Murmu followed by the national anthem. The Republic Day 2023 Parade was commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area was the Parade Second-in-Command. The Republic Day Parade began around 11 AM. It was live-streamed on state-run channels like Doordarshan and Sansad TV. Active radio listeners can hear it live on AIR.
The R-Day Parade commenced from Vijay Chowk and concluded at the Historic Red Fort covering the revamped Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, the roundabout having the statue of Netaji Subash Chandra Bode, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subash Marg.
The parade began with proud winners of the highest gallantry awards, including the recipients of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bana Singh, 8 JAK LI (Retd); Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers (Retd) & Subedar (Honorary Lieutenant) Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winners Major General CA Pithawalla (Retd); Colonel D Sreeram Kumar and Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (Retd) followed the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps.
This year’s Republic Day Parade was unique in many ways since all the equipment including ammunition displayed on the Kartavya Path showcased India's indigenisation power. Amongst the many firsts, the 21-gun salute was given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns. It replaced the vintage 25-pounder gun, reflecting upon the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in the defence sector. Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit showered flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path.
Another important highlight of this year's Republic Day was the motorcycle stunt by "Daredevils" from the Corps of Signals co-led by a woman officer. For the first time, women formed part of BSF Camel Contingent.
The breath-taking aerial show included nine Rafale aircraft and the Navy's IL-38, which was showcased for the first and perhaps the last time. Navy's IL-38 has served the Indian Navy for around 42 years and is a maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Besides the IL-38 aircraft, the formations like 'Bheem' and 'Vajrang' were showcased over the Kartavya Path for the first time.
A military contingent of the Egyptian Army also marched in India's Republic Day Parade. The Egyptian military contingent had 144 personnel who participated in the parade. There were 16 marching contingents from the Armed Forces, Central Para Military Forces, Delhi Police, NCC, NSS, Pipes and Drums Bands. Besides, 23 tableaux - 17 from states and Union Territories, and six from various ministries and departments, - depicting the ''Nari Shakti,'' nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic and social progress and strong internal and external security - rolled down the Kartavya Path during the ceremonial parade.
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