75th Republic Day Parade: The Many Firsts To Be Witnessed On January 26

File photo: PTI

New Delhi: The 75th Republic Day celebrations on Friday will centre around the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat and Mother of Democracy,’ highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage with a special emphasis on maximum participation of women. The celebrations will take place on the revamped Central Vista Avenue. President Emmanuel Macron of France will be the chief guest.

Many firsts will be showcased at the 75th Republic Day parade. Here’s a list:

• In a departure from the tradition of military bands leading the way, it will kick off with 100 women artists playing traditional Indian musical instruments like Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada.
• The flypast will include the participation of two French Rafale fighter jets and a multi-role tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft.
• A 95-member French marching contingent, along with a 33-member band contingent, will also be part of the celebrations.
• A groundbreaking 144-personnel tri-service women contingent, with 48 members from each service, will join the parade for the first time.
• The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents will include all-women units.
• This year’s special highlight is the all-women Tri-Service contingent, a historic first showcasing the strength and capabilities of Indian women.
• Captain Supreetha CT and Major Jerry Blaize belong to different contingents but will be marching together to create history. The couple, who got married in June 2023, said it was a sheer coincidence that they were getting to march together on the occasion.
• 1,500 farmers and their spouses have been invited as special guests.
• The Ministry of Defence will release a Commemorative Coin and Commemorative Stamp during the celebrations.
• The Ministry of Culture will organise Parakram Diwas at Red Fort, centred on the life of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, featuring 3-D projection mapping, light & sound shows, plays, dance performances, and more.Approximately 13,000 special guests have been extended invitations. The Defence Secretary emphasised that the goal is to offer an opportunity to individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in the national festival, aligning with the Government’s vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (people’s participation). Quoting the Prime Minister, he described these guests as a source of pride for the country.