Republic Day 2024: As India marks its 75th Republic Day

Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, had said, “Constitution is not a mere lawyers document, it is a vehicle of life and its spirit is always the spirit of Age” and to commemorate the adoption of this constitution of our country in 1950, we are gearing up to celebrate India's 75th Republic Day, the highlight of which are the tableaus that show India's rich tradition, cultural heritage, spectacles of the nation's progress and achievements and also airshows by the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The Republic Day Parade rehearsals and the Beating the Retreat ceremonies are already being practiced in full swing in the capital cities of all Indian states but what is its date, history, significance, and theme this year?

Date of Republic Day Parade:

India marks its Republic Day annually on January 26. This year, the day falls on Friday, with citizens of the country marking it as the 75th Republic Day.

History and Significance of Republic Day:

Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950. While India gained independence from the British Raj in 1947, it wasn't until January 26, 1950, that the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country became a sovereign state, declaring it a republic.

The Constituent Assembly held its first session on December 9, 1946, and the last on November 26, 1949, and then the Constitution was adopted a year later. Dr. BR Ambedkar headed the Drafting Committee of the Constitution and on this day, India also marks Constitution Day.

Republic Day commemorates the spirit of independent India as on this day, in 1930, the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj from colonial rule. Republic Day also commemorates Indian citizens' power to choose their government democratically hence, the country marks it as a national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Constitution.

Celebrations for Republic Day:

Republic Day celebrations are marked with much enthusiasm in the country. On this day, the President unfurls the national flag followed by spectacular military and cultural pageantry.

Additionally, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country, and brave soldiers are awarded Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra. Live broadcasts and webcasts of the Republic Day Parade are also made accessible annually to millions of people.

Republic Day Parade time and theme:

The Republic Day 2024 parade theme is ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’, emphasising India’s role as a nurturer of democracy and is scheduled to commence at 09:30 am on Friday, January 26 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi where it is expected to last for approximately 90 minutes.

The venue has a seating capacity of 77,000, with 42,000 seats reserved for the general public, and the Chief Guest this year will be French President Emmanuel Macron and so, the parade will also feature a 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France.

Here's a look at the top attractions and all that's special this year

1. All-Women Tri-Services Group to be Part of Parade for the First Time

Major General Sumit Mehta on January 22 said that an all-women tri-services group will partake in the Republic Day Parade for the first time. The group comprises women troops from the Army's military police and personnel from the other two services.

This historic contingent will include women troops from the Army's military police and women from the other two services. He confirmed that two of the three living Param Vir Chakra awardees, Hony Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, are set to participate in the Republic Day parade.

2. Participant in the French Bastille Day parade also part of R-Day parade

Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, an air traffic controller in the Indian Air Force and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, will be participating in this year's Republic Day parade. She gained attention last July when she marched in the Bastille Day parade in Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest.

"It was a proud moment saluting our Prime Minister on foreign soil as part of the contingent during Bastille Day. And it is a matter of greater pride that I will be saluting our Supreme Commander with the French President in attendance on Republic Day. Not many people get this opportunity, and I consider myself lucky to get this unique opportunity," she said.

3. French contingent to join R-Day parade

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations, making him the sixth French leader to grace the prestigious annual event. A 95-member marching contingent, a 33-member band contingent, two Rafale fighters, and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft from France will also participate in the celebrations.

Captain Louis, belonging to the Corps of the French Foreign Legion, highlighted the French Foreign Legion's role. Established in 1831, it comprises nearly 9,500 officers and legionnaires from around 140 nationalities. Lieutenant Romain Bresson expressed that the French team's participation reflects the growing defense cooperation between India and France.

4. Six Indians to Join French Military Team in Republic Day Parade

Six Indian individuals are set to be a part of the French military team marching alongside Indian contingents at the 75th Republic Day parade. Commander of the French marching contingent, Captain Noel Louis, announced the participation of six Indians in the French team. The individuals include CCH Sujan Pathak, CPL Dipak Arya, CPL Parbin Tandan, Gurvachan Singh, Aniket Ghartimagar, and Vikas Djeassegar.

5. Saree Extravaganza Planned for Republic Day Parade

Among the noteworthy highlights, this year includes the Culture Ministry's showcase of sarees from various Indian states and union territories, to be presented in the 'Anant Sutra' exhibition.

'Anant Sutra - The Endless Thread' textile installation will be displayed at Kartavya Path, positioned behind the seated spectators. The installation is set to display around 1,900 sarees and drapes from all corners of India, creatively mounted on wooden frames along the Kartavya Path. Each saree will feature QR codes, allowing attendees to scan and learn details about the weaving and embroidery techniques employed.

Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, shared that the installation includes a 150-year-old saree, paying homage to the women and weavers of India.

6. AI to take space in parade

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is set to feature a tableau in this year's Republic Day Parade, emphasising the role of artificial intelligence (AI) across diverse sectors. The tableau will illustrate AI in action, showcasing a scene of a teacher using a VR headset to educate children. Additionally, the role of AI in logistics and cattle management is highlighted.

JL Gupta, Director of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, shared insights, stating, "This year's tableau focuses on AI-based technology and its public benefits. The presentation also sheds light on the positive impact of AI in the health sector. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for electronic manufacturing, semiconductor chips are featured in the display."

7. ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 to be highlighted

The Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) tableau is set to shine at this year's Republic Day Parade, showcasing the achievements of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The tableau prominently features the launch and successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, with a special focus on its touchdown at the moon's South Pole.

8. Flypast to also have French inclusion

A French refuel aircraft and two French Rafale aircraft will grace the skies in a flypast.

The flypast will showcase new-generation vehicles such as Terrain Vehicles, Light Specialist Vehicles, and Special Mobility Vehicles. Notable aircraft like ALH Dhruv Rudra and LCH Prachand will also participate. The Indian Air Force flypast, consisting of 51 planes including fighters, helicopters, and transport aircraft, will notably feature 15 women aviators.

9. Special Guests Invited

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane announced in a press conference in New Delhi on January 19, that approximately 13,000 special guests, including top performers in various fields and beneficiaries of government schemes, have been invited to witness the parade. The Defence Secretary emphasised the government's vision of Jan Bhagidari, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi that these guests are the pride of the country.

Special guests include individuals who excelled in various government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Street Vendor's Aatmanirbhar Nidhi, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and Stand-Up India scheme. Additionally, attendees comprise Sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, women workers of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, electronic manufacturing sectors, Central Vista Project, women space scientists of ISRO, yoga teachers (Ayushman Bharat), international sports event winners, Paralympic medalists, Best Self-Help Groups, Farmers Producer Organisations, references of PM Mann ki Baat program, and 'Super-100' of Project Veer Gatha 3.0 & winners of the National School Band Competition.

There is also a special emphasis on including Vibrant Villages in the list of Special Guests, recognizing their tough livelihoods, and allowing them to be part of the Republic Day celebrations.