Today, on 26th January 2023, India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day – a day filled with grandeur, passion, magnificent parades, and tributes to the Indian armed forces. The entire nation is lit up with tricolour and one can enjoy various events across the country.
On 15th August 2022, India celebrated its 75th year of Independence with the theme ”Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”. The 74th Republic Day celebration witnessed zeal, enthusiasm, and patriotic fervour under the ”Jan Bhagidari” theme, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned.
Paying Homage to the Amar Jawan
The Indian national flag along with the three defence service flags caught the morning breeze as PM Modi paid homage to Amar Jawan, the immortal soldiers who sacrificed their lives to keep our nation safe, at the National War Memorial, Indian Gate, New Delhi.
In 2019, the National War Memorial was inaugurated by PM Modi, dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of Indian soldiers on behalf of this grateful nation.
PM Modi laid the circular wreath at the eternal flame, honouring and revering those who embraced their life with courage, discipline, and dedication. The circular wreath symbolises eternity and the green represents everlasting life.
Adlai Stevenson once said, “True patriotism is not manifested in short, frenzied bursts of emotion. It is the tranquil, steady dedication of a lifetime”. That’s what our brave soldiers have displayed perpetually.
Today on this glorious day, the nation pays tribute to our brave soldiers who put their lives on the line to protect and preserve the integrity and pride of this great nation.
President of India takes Centre Stage
Droupadi Murmu, the Indian President, along with the guest of honour Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt appeared outside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Both the Presidents were greeted with national salute.
Following the ceremonial welcome, both Presidents were escorted to the saluting base by Maj Gen Ranjeet Singh Manral, Group Captain Abhay Arun Phansalkar, ADC Major Rohan Sudhakar Chauhan, and ADC Squadron Leader Sourabh Sharma under the protection of an elite body of horsemen.
Col Anup Tiwari, Commandant, President’s Bodyguard, rode to the right of the President’s vehicle, mounted on his charger Glorious. On the left was Lt Col Ramakant Yadav mounted on his Sultan.
At the saluting base, the Presidents of both the nations were received by PM Modi, with Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj Pandey, Chief of the Naval Staff Adm Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, and Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.
To shed the colonial cloak in the days of modern India, the 74th Republic Day, for the first time, witnessed the 21-gun salute accorded to the President with 105mm Indian field guns, replacing the previously used British rifle. 871 field regiment accorded the ceremonial salute.
After the resonating sound of the 21-gun salute, the echoes of the Indian national anthem filled the Kartvya Path.
The Republic Day Parade
The Indian Republic Day parade has forever been a splendid sight and sublime experience to many presents at the event and millions viewing it from afar on their devices.
Colourful tableaux from Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and several other states and Union Territories rolled down the Kartavya Path.
From synchronised movement, uplifting roars and music to the rumbling sound of fighter jets soaring in the sky, the Republic Day parade offers a chance to witness the military might, cultural diversity and artistic traditions of this great nation.
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Conclusion
India’s 74th Republic Day celebration was a grand and spectacular event that brought the country together in a display of cultural diversity, national unity and progress.
India’s journey in the last seven decades has been a significant event in world history. Today India is one of the fastest-growing economies and holds a prominent position globally.
The 2023 Republic Day celebration was a fitting and memorable event for all who witnessed it. It served as a reminder of India’s rich history, vibrant culture and ability to overcome challenges and strive for progress.
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