A symbol of new India, the Kartavya Path which was formerly known as Rajpath, hosted its first Republic Day parade in Delhi on January 26, 2023. India showcased its military and its cultural diversity in a colorful parade on Thursday at the revamped colonial avenue in New Delhi to mark Republic Day, the anniversary of the day the country’s secular Constitution came into effect in 1950.
The 74th Republic day celebrations was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was the chief guest at the ceremonial event.
The grand celebration, first in Amrit Kal, was attended by at least 65,000 people. The Delhi Police said about 30,000 people reached the parade venue through the metro this year. The Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations were open for visitors.
The Egyptian President is the first major world leader to visit India in a year the government is eagerly preparing to host the G20 summit for the first time. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief of defense staff and the three service chiefs were also present at the parade, which featured more women in the military contingents.
“We will move together to fulfil the dreams of the heroes of our freedom movement,” Modi wrote on Twitter to mark the occasion. The country’s rich and diverse heritage was showcased in vibrant tableaux from different states and ministries, highlighting the central theme of ‘nari shakti’ or women power. The army’s tableaux comprised only locally-made weapons, reflecting India’s drive to become more self-reliant in the defense sector.
The event climaxed with a flypast by 45 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, with French-made Rafales, Russian-made Su-30s and the Indian-made Tejas fighter jets putting on an impressive aeronautical display. But foggy weather spoilt the spectacle, as spectators struggled to catch a glimpse of the aircraft as they roared overhead.
The annul parade is a tightly choreographed spectacle of motorbike stunts, traditional dance and camel-mounted soldiers at a time when the emergent Asian power faces onerous security challenges. India has benefited in recent years from an increasing economic heft and diplomatic clout that has raised its position in global affairs.
Indian Embassy in US celebrates 74th Republic day
The Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India on January 26, 2023, with a flag-hoisting ceremony at India House. US lawmakers, business leaders, members of the media, students, and members of the Indian diaspora were among the friends of India who attended the ceremony.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Ambassador of India, unfurled the tricolor, which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem. On the occasion, a video of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu’s address, on the eve of Republic Day was shown.
The Indian Consulate in New York celebrated India’s 74th Republic Day attended by members of the staff and community in the tri-state area.
The Indian flag was unfurled by Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem by artists from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Consul General Jaiswal welcomed all those present. He read the speech made by the President of India Droupadi Murmu on Jan. 25, 2023, to the nation, on the eve of Republic Day. The Consul General read the speech in Hindi and English. The Consulate General of India, Chicago celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India on Thursday, January 2023. In the morning, the ceremonial unfurling of the Indian flag took place at the Consulate.
