Tag: Republic Day Parade

  • 75th Republic Day: Parade To Showcase India’s Growing ‘Nari Shakti’, Military Prowess |

    NEW DELHI: India braces itself for the momentous platinum jubilee celebrations of Republic Day on Friday, (January 26), promising an enthralling display of military prowess and cultural heritage at the grand ‘Kartavya Path’ in the capital.

    President Leads Grand Festivities

    President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in commemorating the Amrit Kaal journey, marking 75 years post the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, honouring the country’s independence.

    Dominating Themes

    Rich cultural diversity, ‘Aatmanirbhar’ military prowess, and the burgeoning Nari Shakti will take centre stage in the 90-minute parade, graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the Chief Guest.

    Historic All-Women Contingents

    A groundbreaking moment unfolds with the debut of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path, symbolizing Nari Shakti. Women pilots soar during the Indian Air Force’s fly-past, showcasing their power.

    Empowering Women

    Even the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will join the movement, with contingents exclusively comprising women personnel, setting a remarkable precedent.

    Cultural Extravaganza

    Over 100 women artists kick off the ceremony with soul-stirring melodies, setting the stage for a vibrant parade reflecting the unity in diversity of the nation.

    Inclusive Participation

    Around 13,000 special guests partake in the festivities, fostering Jan Bhagidari and inclusivity, aligning with the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’.

    Grand Ceremonial

    The parade, led by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, will showcase the nation’s defence forces with captivating displays and marches, epitomizing unity and strength.

    Honouring Fallen Heroes

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay the homage at the National War Memorial, leading the nation in honouring the sacrifices of the fallen heroes, before witnessing the parade at Kartavya Path.

    Historic Renditions

    President Murmu and President Macron will grace the occasion, escorted by the prestigious President’s Bodyguard, marking the Regiment’s 250th year of service.

    Cultural Symphony

    A mesmerizing blend of 30 folk dance styles and contemporary performances in ‘Vande Bharatam’ celebrates women’s accomplishments, echoing the message of unity.

    Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’

    ‘Ministry of Culture’ will showcase presents ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’, a tribute to India’s timeless saree, alongside diverse tableaux reflecting progress and unity.

    Empowering Grassroots

    Government beneficiaries and achievers from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are honoured, symbolizing grassroots empowerment and inclusivity in the nation’s fabric.

    Unprecedented Security

    Over 8,000 security personnel, coupled with advanced surveillance measures, ensure a safe and joyous celebration of Republic Day, echoing the spirit of unity and progress.

  • President Murmu to lead nation in celebrating 74th R-Day; six Agniveers to take part in parade 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: 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 Kartavya Path amid patriotic fervour.

    This was stated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on the eve of the celebrations.

    President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the Republic Day, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest at the ceremonial event.

    The military assets which will be displayed during the parade include made-in-India equipment, showing the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, officials had earlier said.

    Main battle tank Arjun, Nag Missile System (NAMIS) and K-9 Vajra will also be showcased, the defence ministry said in the statement.

    “The Indian Navy contingent will comprise 144 young sailors led by Lt Cdr Disha Amrith as the contingent commander. For the first time ever, the marching contingent consists three women and six Agniveers.”

    “It will be followed by the naval tableau, designed on the theme ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof’. It will showcase the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy, ‘Nari Shakti’ and key indigenously designed and built assets under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the statement said.

    The ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial and paying tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

    ALSO READ | India among fastest-growing economies due to Centre’s pro-active interventions: President Murmu

    Thereafter, the prime minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

    As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.

    Among, the many firsts, the ceremonial salute will be given with 105-mm Indian field guns.

    It replaces the vintage 25-pounder guns, reflecting upon the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

    Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path, the statement said.

    The parade will commence with the president taking the salute.

    The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, a second-generation Army officer.

    Maj Gen Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

    Three Param Vir Chakra awardees and three Ashok Chkara awardees will also take part in the parade, and a “veterans tableau” will also be part of it with the theme — ‘Towards India’s Amrit Kaal with a Resolve of Veterans’ Commitment’.

    For the first time, a combined band and marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces will be taking part in the ceremonial parade.

    The contingent will consist of 144 soldiers, representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces led by Col Elkharasawy.

    The first contingent in the uniform of the 61 Cavalry will be led by Capt Raizada Shaurya Bali.

    The 61 Cavalry is the only serving active horse cavalry regiment in the world, “with the amalgamation of all the state horse units,” it said.

    The Indian Air Force contingent will comprise 144 air warriors and four officers, led by Sqn Ldr Sindhu Reddy.

    The Air Force tableau, designed on the theme ‘Indian Air Force Power Beyond Boundaries’, will display a rotating globe highlighting IAF’s expanded reach, whereby it has been able to provide humanitarian assistance across borders, as also exercises conducted with friendly countries.

    The Republic Day celebrations will take place on the revamped Central Vista avenue and will be the first at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed to Kartavya Path last year.

    This year, invites have been sent to common people from all walks of the society such as ‘Shramyogis’ involved in construction of Central Vista, Kartavya Path, New Parliament Building, milk, vegetable vendors, and street vendors etc.

    These special invitees will be prominently seated at Kartavya Path, the statement said.

    “Building on last year’s celebrations, in the 75th year of the Independence, celebrated as the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the celebrations this year shall witness zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and ‘janbhagidari’, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

    A total of 23 tableaux — 17 from states and Union territories and six from various ministries and departments — depicting India’s vibrant cultural heritage, and economic and social progress will be part of the parade on the Kartavya Path.

    Other states and Union Territories which have been selected to showcase their tableaux on the Katavya Path on January 26 include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

    This year the celebrations are being held over a span of more than a week, starting with the 126th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

    A one-of-a-kind Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka’ was organised here on January.

    The events will culminate on January 30, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day, the statement said.

    This year, the Republic Day celebrations will see attractive performances by dancers from Vande Bharatam group from across the country, tales of bravery by ‘Veer Gatha 2.0’ participants, melodious performances by school bands at the National War Memorial, largest-ever drone show and 3-D anamorphic projection, it said.

    Defence Ministry officials on January 18 had said that the government had put 32,000 tickets on sale online for the masses.

    And, for the first time, all official invites for the ceremonial event will be sent online, they had said.

    “The Republic Day Parade, which will begin at around 10:30 am, will be a unique mix of the country’s military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, ‘Nari Shakti’ and emergence of a ‘New India’,” the statement said.

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase one tableau and equipment.

    The theme of the tableau is ‘Securing Nation with Effective Surveillance, Communication and Neutralising Threats’, the statement said.

    Indigenously-developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), a modular 8X8 wheeled combat platform carried on a 70-ton trailer will be displayed by the DRDO in the form of equipment, it added.

    Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are conferred on children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of bravery, art & culture, sports, innovation and social service.

    Eleven winning children, in jeeps, will be driven down Kartavya Path, it said.

    Fifty aircraft will take part in the 74th Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path that will include aerial display by nine Rafale and the Navy’s IL-38 which will be showcased at the event for the first and perhaps the last time, a senior official had earlier said.

    NEW DELHI: 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 Kartavya Path amid patriotic fervour.

    This was stated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on the eve of the celebrations.

    President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the Republic Day, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest at the ceremonial event.

    The military assets which will be displayed during the parade include made-in-India equipment, showing the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, officials had earlier said.

    Main battle tank Arjun, Nag Missile System (NAMIS) and K-9 Vajra will also be showcased, the defence ministry said in the statement.

    “The Indian Navy contingent will comprise 144 young sailors led by Lt Cdr Disha Amrith as the contingent commander. For the first time ever, the marching contingent consists three women and six Agniveers.”

    “It will be followed by the naval tableau, designed on the theme ‘Indian Navy – Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof’. It will showcase the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy, ‘Nari Shakti’ and key indigenously designed and built assets under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the statement said.

    The ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial and paying tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

    ALSO READ | India among fastest-growing economies due to Centre’s pro-active interventions: President Murmu

    Thereafter, the prime minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

    As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.

    Among, the many firsts, the ceremonial salute will be given with 105-mm Indian field guns.

    It replaces the vintage 25-pounder guns, reflecting upon the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

    Four Mi-17 1V/V5 helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path, the statement said.

    The parade will commence with the president taking the salute.

    The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, a second-generation Army officer.

    Maj Gen Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

    Three Param Vir Chakra awardees and three Ashok Chkara awardees will also take part in the parade, and a “veterans tableau” will also be part of it with the theme — ‘Towards India’s Amrit Kaal with a Resolve of Veterans’ Commitment’.

    For the first time, a combined band and marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces will be taking part in the ceremonial parade.

    The contingent will consist of 144 soldiers, representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces led by Col Elkharasawy.

    The first contingent in the uniform of the 61 Cavalry will be led by Capt Raizada Shaurya Bali.

    The 61 Cavalry is the only serving active horse cavalry regiment in the world, “with the amalgamation of all the state horse units,” it said.

    The Indian Air Force contingent will comprise 144 air warriors and four officers, led by Sqn Ldr Sindhu Reddy.

    The Air Force tableau, designed on the theme ‘Indian Air Force Power Beyond Boundaries’, will display a rotating globe highlighting IAF’s expanded reach, whereby it has been able to provide humanitarian assistance across borders, as also exercises conducted with friendly countries.

    The Republic Day celebrations will take place on the revamped Central Vista avenue and will be the first at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed to Kartavya Path last year.

    This year, invites have been sent to common people from all walks of the society such as ‘Shramyogis’ involved in construction of Central Vista, Kartavya Path, New Parliament Building, milk, vegetable vendors, and street vendors etc.

    These special invitees will be prominently seated at Kartavya Path, the statement said.

    “Building on last year’s celebrations, in the 75th year of the Independence, celebrated as the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the celebrations this year shall witness zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and ‘janbhagidari’, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

    A total of 23 tableaux — 17 from states and Union territories and six from various ministries and departments — depicting India’s vibrant cultural heritage, and economic and social progress will be part of the parade on the Kartavya Path.

    Other states and Union Territories which have been selected to showcase their tableaux on the Katavya Path on January 26 include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

    This year the celebrations are being held over a span of more than a week, starting with the 126th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

    A one-of-a-kind Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka’ was organised here on January.

    The events will culminate on January 30, which is observed as Martyrs’ Day, the statement said.

    This year, the Republic Day celebrations will see attractive performances by dancers from Vande Bharatam group from across the country, tales of bravery by ‘Veer Gatha 2.0’ participants, melodious performances by school bands at the National War Memorial, largest-ever drone show and 3-D anamorphic projection, it said.

    Defence Ministry officials on January 18 had said that the government had put 32,000 tickets on sale online for the masses.

    And, for the first time, all official invites for the ceremonial event will be sent online, they had said.

    “The Republic Day Parade, which will begin at around 10:30 am, will be a unique mix of the country’s military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, ‘Nari Shakti’ and emergence of a ‘New India’,” the statement said.

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase one tableau and equipment.

    The theme of the tableau is ‘Securing Nation with Effective Surveillance, Communication and Neutralising Threats’, the statement said.

    Indigenously-developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), a modular 8X8 wheeled combat platform carried on a 70-ton trailer will be displayed by the DRDO in the form of equipment, it added.

    Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are conferred on children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of bravery, art & culture, sports, innovation and social service.

    Eleven winning children, in jeeps, will be driven down Kartavya Path, it said.

    Fifty aircraft will take part in the 74th Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path that will include aerial display by nine Rafale and the Navy’s IL-38 which will be showcased at the event for the first and perhaps the last time, a senior official had earlier said.

  • BSF women personnel to be part of camel contingent for Republic Day Parade 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: For the first time a dozen women camel riders will be participating as part of the famed camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) during the Republic Day Parade on January 26.

    The BSF on Monday said, “This is the first time BSF Mahila Camel Riders as part of BSF Camel Contingent will march on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade.”

    Marching atop the camels, these women camel riders will be donning specially designed regal ceremonial uniforms.

    The uniforms which represent the many treasured craft forms of India have been assembled by a noted fashion designer who will have iconic Jodhpuri bandhgala, classic and elegant long tunic.

    The textured fabric with hand-crafted zardosi work for various trims from Benaras is done in the 400 years-old Danka technique, the BSF had said.

    The uniform is styled with the striking Pagh – a turban, inspired by the heritage Pagh of the Mewar region of Rajasthan.

    The BSF camel contingent has been participating in the Republic Day parade since 1976.

    The contingent usually comprises 90 camels — 54 with troops and the rest with band personnel.

    The Camel contingent is also part of the Beating the Retreat ceremony which is held three days after Republic Day on January 29.

    The BSF is the only force in the country to deploy camels for both operational and ceremonial duties.  .It is astride these camels that the bordermen, as the BSF personnel are called, patrol the Thar Desert along the borders with Pakistan.

    Out of total approx 240,000 personnel the BSF has around 8,000 women personnel including around 140 officers which include the subordinate officers also. The women, as per the sources, are deployed in all kinds of operational duties like the zero line patrolling and night observation post duties. The Force has also deployed all women floating Border Out Posts (BOPs) along the India Bangladesh borders under its water wing. The BSF also has an all women daredevil motorcycle team named Seema Bhawani.

    The BSF was raised on December 1, 1965 and it is primarily tasked with guarding international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is a unique force in the world having the elements of aviation, artillery and water wing as its assets.

    NEW DELHI: For the first time a dozen women camel riders will be participating as part of the famed camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) during the Republic Day Parade on January 26.

    The BSF on Monday said, “This is the first time BSF Mahila Camel Riders as part of BSF Camel Contingent will march on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade.”

    Marching atop the camels, these women camel riders will be donning specially designed regal ceremonial uniforms.

    The uniforms which represent the many treasured craft forms of India have been assembled by a noted fashion designer who will have iconic Jodhpuri bandhgala, classic and elegant long tunic.

    The textured fabric with hand-crafted zardosi work for various trims from Benaras is done in the 400 years-old Danka technique, the BSF had said.

    The uniform is styled with the striking Pagh – a turban, inspired by the heritage Pagh of the Mewar region of Rajasthan.

    The BSF camel contingent has been participating in the Republic Day parade since 1976.

    The contingent usually comprises 90 camels — 54 with troops and the rest with band personnel.

    The Camel contingent is also part of the Beating the Retreat ceremony which is held three days after Republic Day on January 29.

    The BSF is the only force in the country to deploy camels for both operational and ceremonial duties.  .It is astride these camels that the bordermen, as the BSF personnel are called, patrol the Thar Desert along the borders with Pakistan.

    Out of total approx 240,000 personnel the BSF has around 8,000 women personnel including around 140 officers which include the subordinate officers also. The women, as per the sources, are deployed in all kinds of operational duties like the zero line patrolling and night observation post duties. The Force has also deployed all women floating Border Out Posts (BOPs) along the India Bangladesh borders under its water wing. The BSF also has an all women daredevil motorcycle team named Seema Bhawani.

    The BSF was raised on December 1, 1965 and it is primarily tasked with guarding international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is a unique force in the world having the elements of aviation, artillery and water wing as its assets.

  • India invites Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to be Republic Day chief guest

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India has extended an invite to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade on January 26. A chief guest for the parade is likely after two barren years.

    Gen El Sisi last visited India in 2016 but there have been several high-level visits. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Cairo last month and had handed over a “personal message’’ from PM Modi to Gen El-Sisi. This was the first visit to Egypt by an Indian EAM in seven years.

    However, this time it was underscored by joint-military exercises leading to top-level political engagement. Meanwhile, in July and August, the Indian Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force conducted various exercises at the Egyptian Fighter Weapons School, near Cairo.

    The combination of both air forces is similar, reflective of a significant period of history where both India and Egypt were the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), under the leadership of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egypt’s second President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

    Both the IAF and EAF’s fighter fleets comprise a combination of imports, ranging from a variety of suppliers such as Russia, France, the US and the UK among others. From India’s point of view, an outreach to Egypt is part of its larger construct of its security architecture in West Asia, particularly the Gulf, spearheaded by New Delhi’s flourishing relations with the UAE that is arguably the most powerful leader in the region today. Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent.

    The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement has been in operation since March 1978 and is based on the Most Favoured Nation mode and the bilateral trade has increased more than five times in last ten years. In 2022, both the countries recorded the highest-ever bilateral trade of $7.26 billion, with items like crude petroleum, fertilizers, bovine meat, cotton yarn, etc. dominating the trade basket.

    Indian companies have also invested heavily in Egypt, to the tune of around $3.15 billion. President Sisi is a retired military officer who has served as the sixth and current President of Egypt since 2014. Before retiring as a general in the Egyptian military in 2014, Sisi served as Egypt’s deputy prime minister from 2013 to 2014, as its defence minister from 2012 to 2013, and as its director of military intelligence from 2010 to 2012. He was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in January 2014.

    NEW DELHI: India has extended an invite to the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade on January 26. A chief guest for the parade is likely after two barren years.

    Gen El Sisi last visited India in 2016 but there have been several high-level visits. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Cairo last month and had handed over a “personal message’’ from PM Modi to Gen El-Sisi. This was the first visit to Egypt by an Indian EAM in seven years.

    However, this time it was underscored by joint-military exercises leading to top-level political engagement. Meanwhile, in July and August, the Indian Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force conducted various exercises at the Egyptian Fighter Weapons School, near Cairo.

    The combination of both air forces is similar, reflective of a significant period of history where both India and Egypt were the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), under the leadership of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egypt’s second President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

    Both the IAF and EAF’s fighter fleets comprise a combination of imports, ranging from a variety of suppliers such as Russia, France, the US and the UK among others. From India’s point of view, an outreach to Egypt is part of its larger construct of its security architecture in West Asia, particularly the Gulf, spearheaded by New Delhi’s flourishing relations with the UAE that is arguably the most powerful leader in the region today. Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent.

    The India-Egypt Bilateral Trade Agreement has been in operation since March 1978 and is based on the Most Favoured Nation mode and the bilateral trade has increased more than five times in last ten years. In 2022, both the countries recorded the highest-ever bilateral trade of $7.26 billion, with items like crude petroleum, fertilizers, bovine meat, cotton yarn, etc. dominating the trade basket.

    Indian companies have also invested heavily in Egypt, to the tune of around $3.15 billion. President Sisi is a retired military officer who has served as the sixth and current President of Egypt since 2014. Before retiring as a general in the Egyptian military in 2014, Sisi served as Egypt’s deputy prime minister from 2013 to 2014, as its defence minister from 2012 to 2013, and as its director of military intelligence from 2010 to 2012. He was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in January 2014.

  • Masked, vaccinated, socially distanced: Only 5,000 people attend Republic Day parade

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Crowds at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday were curtailed to just 5,000 people, all double masked, vaccinated and maintaining strict ‘do gaz ki doori’ in view of the Covid situation.

    Only double vaccinated adults and children above the age of 15 who have taken at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were allowed to enter the venue.

    Children below 15 years were not permitted to attend.

    There was strict security with personnel maintaining strict vigil.

    Chairs were placed at a distance to ensure social distancing.

    Participants also received a white cap with “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” printed on it.

    India is presently battling the third wave of COVID-19 driven by the Omicron variant.

    India logged 2,85,914 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,00,85,116, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

  • Republic Day parade will be a mix of modern and vintage with smaller marching contingents

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Keeping in mind the fast infections of the new variant of the COVID 19, the strength of the marching contingents on the Republic Day have been reduced this year.

    Briefing the media persons in virtual formation, Chief of Staff of the Delhi Area and deputy parade commander Lt Gen Alok Kakkar said, “The troops will be marching in 12 rows and 8 columns.” Earlier the contingents used to have a strength of 144 personnel.

    Also, this time a total of 6 marching contingents from the Indian Army will be participating on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day parade celebrations on January 26. The contingents will be wearing uniforms depicting the change in it since independence and also will carry the weapons of those times.

    The first contingent to march forward will be of Rajput Regiment, wearing the uniform of 1950 and carrying .303 rifle, followed by Assam Regiment, donning the dress of 1960s. Then, the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry troops will be attired in the 1970s uniform with 7.62 mm self-loaded rifle.

    The personnel of the Sikh Light Infantry and Army Ordnance Corps would be wearing the current uniform and would be carrying a 5.56mm rifle.

    The newly-inducted combat uniform will be donned by the Parachute Regiment contingent. The troops will be carrying Israel-origin Tavor rifles.

    Major Vishesh, Parachute Regiment’s contingent commander said, “Wearing the new combat uniform at the Republic Day parade will be a proud moment for the elite force,”.

    Major Varun Pratap Singh will lead the Rajput Regiment contingent. “It’s an honour for us to participate in the Republic Day parade.” He spoke.

    This time the parade will display a unique mix of vintage and new equipment in the mechanised column.

    Among the Armoured columns the first column will be of one PT-76, one centurion tank, two Main Battle Tank Arjun MK-1 tanks, one APC Topas armoured personnel carrier, one BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle and two BMP-II infantry fighting vehicles will be shown to the public.

    One 75/24 pack howitzer, two Dhanush howitzers, one PMS bridge-laying system, two Sarvatra bridge-laying systems, one HT-16 electronic warfare system, two Taran Shakti electronic warfare system, one Tiger Cat missile system and two Akash missile systems will also be the part of the mechanised columns.

    Besides, one each marching contingent of the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will be participating. There would be a total of 16 marching contingents, including four CAPF contingents, two NCC, one each Delhi Police and NSS.

    There will be two motorcycle display teams and two animal contingents. The motorcycle team will be from the BSF and ITBP while the animal contingents would be from 61 Cavalry and BSF camels.

    Maj Gen Kakkar added that two new events have been added in the Beating the retreat ceremony this year.

    There would be laser mapping protection on the north and south blocks of the Raisina Hills and a coordinated show of 1000 drones. They will display various shapes when it is dark at Vijay Chowk. It will be held for the first time in India.

  • Covid effect: Only 5,000-8,000 people to be allowed to attend Republic Day parade this year

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The number of people that would be allowed to attend the Republic Day parade this year would be curtailed by 70-80 per cent to approximately 5,000-8,000 due to the ongoing wave of COVID-19, senior officials of the defence ministry said on Tuesday.

    Approximately 25,000 people were allowed to attend the last year’s parade. Moreover, the decision on whether chief guests will come or not for this year’s parade is yet to be taken by the Ministry of External Affairs, the officials mentioned.

    There was no chief guest at the parade last year. Officials said the aim is to keep the people away and maintain social distancing at all times so that the parade should not become a super spreader event.

    Therefore, the numbers have been significantly curtailed, they added. While the exact number is yet to be decided, it would be anywhere between 5,000-8,000 people this year, they mentioned. People would be encouraged to watch the parade on TV and livestreaming, they stated.

    The decision regarding chief guests is being handled by the Ministry of External Affairs and we will wait for their decision in this regard, the officials said.

  • Central Vista project: Republic Day parade next year to be held on refurbished Rajpath

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Republic Day parade next year will be held on the refurbished Rajpath as the redevelopment work of the Central Vista Avenue, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, is expected to be completed by this November, officials said on Friday.

    Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who reviewed the status of ongoing construction works, said citizens will get an avenue that they will be proud of.

    “Reviewed the status of ongoing construction works of Central Vista Avenue project with the secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, officials of ministry and CPWD, contractor and architect Bimal Patel. The progress so far is satisfactory and on schedule. Citizens will get an avenue they will be proud of,” he tweeted.

    An official in the ministry said that the Rajpath redevelopment project includes large scale stonework, construction of underpasses, underground amenities blocks and horticulture work and sufficient space for parking.

    “Twelve bridges on artificial ponds are being built. People visiting Rajpath will have an amazing experience. The redevelopment of the Central Vista Avenue will be completed by November and the Republic Day parade next year will be held on the newly-developed Rajpath,” the official said.

    Infrastructure firm Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited has been executing the project as part of the government’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project.

    The redevelopment project of the Central Vista — the nation’s power corridor — envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat, revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath, from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, new prime minister residence and PMO, and new Vice President Enclave.

  • Limited spectators, compulsory masks mark Republic Day of many firsts

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  Limited spectators, shortened hours of performance wearing masks, parade ending at the national stadium instead of marching to Red Fort, yet India’s 72nd Republic Day celebration will be remembered for many of the firsts it showcased.

    Blessed with a sunny day, the parade on Tuesday saw around 25,000 visitors. This year’s Parade Commander was Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra followed by Second-in-Command Major General Alok Kacker.  A total of 32 tableaus — 17 from states and UTs, six from the Defence Ministry and nine others — were on display.

    Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth, the firstwoman fighter pilot to take part in anR-Day event, on the IAF tableau;The Republic Day parade began with a 122-member contingent of the Bangladeshi armed forces marching for the first time on Rajpath. Like every year, this year too it was a power-pack show by the nation’s armed forces who took over the Rajpath with the BrahMos missile, third-generation Russian T-90 battle tank, the T-72 bridge-layer tank, the BMP-2 armoured personnel carrier, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher and others.

    It was also a remarkable moment when Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth — the first Indian woman to qualify for a combat mission in a fighter jet — became the first to participate in the flypast, creating a history. A total of 38 Air Force and four Army aircraft took part in the flypast. Amongst the tableau, it was for the first time that the Union Territory of Ladakh got to be displayed in the parade.  The tableau highlighted the ‘Vision’ for Ladakh to be carbon neutral and exemplary for the world. 

    Uttar Pradesh’s tableau displayed the state’s cultural city of Ayodhya and the Ram temple, which is under construction, was another major attraction this year. The touch of pandemic was seen in the parade with the theme of Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID  — the tableau by the Department of Biotechnology depicting the process of COVID19 Vaccine development through various processes.

  • R-Day parade: Captain Quamrul Zaman, son of Bihar chicken seller leads BrahMoss missile system 

    Express News Service
    PATNA: It was a proud moment for 51-year old Gulame Mustafa Khan, who runs a chicken shop, watching his only one son leading India’s Brahmos missile system unit in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Tuesday.

    “ I’m an ‘anguthachhap’(an unschooled person who gives thumb impression for signature) but a proud father. of a young captain in the Indian Army, who has led the squad with the Brahmos missile system in the Republic Day parade showing our nation’s military might,” an elated  Khan said.

    Gulame Mustafa Khan’s 27-year-old son Captain Md. Quamrul Zaman led the Brahmos unit in the parade this time. Speaking from his Talkhapur village in Dumra block of Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, the proud father said, “Dil dia jaan bhi denge ye watan tere liye” (I have given heart now will sacrifice life for you, O my country!)

    IN PICS | 72nd Republic Day celebration in full swing across India

    Mustafa runs a chicken shop at Dumra chowk in Bihar’s Sitamarhi but never compromised with education to his only son. “My son wanted to join the army since his childhood and now is serving the country,” said Mustafa.

    Born at Talkhapur in Dumra block, Quamrul Jaman, Captain Quamrul joined the Indian Army in 2012 after graduating in science stream from Sitamarhi’s Goenka College. Mustafa said it was a proud moment for not only him but for entire Bihar as a son of the state had paraded with the Brahmos at Rajpath.

    “If I had more sons, I would have sent every one of them to the Indian Army to serve the country,” Mustafa proudly said. He added that other youths should take inspiration from Quamrul’s passion and patriotism. He remained glued to the TV till the parade got over along with his daughters, wife and other neighbours and distributed jalebis among the people of his village.

    Quamrul’s mother Sufal Khatoon said she was feeling proud of her son than anybody else. “Today my son has let me hold my head high with pride,” she said.

    Quamrul Zaman got promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2018 and became a captain in 2020 due to his brilliant service record.