Finance
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 77th Republic Day ceremonies at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, unfurling the national flag and leading the nation in honoring the historic occasion.
The National Anthem was played when the National Flag was unfurled, followed by a booming 21-gun salute fired by indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
President Murmu, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Chief Guests for Republic Day celebrations, were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the saluting base on Kartavya Path.
As is customary, the President and Chief Guests were led to Kartavya Path by the President’s Bodyguard, ‘Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak’, the Indian Army’s seniormost regiment. They arrived in the “Traditional Buggy,” reviving a 40-year-old tradition and adding a regal touch to the festivities.
Rajnath Singh, the Prime Minister and Defence Minister, also welcomes Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
This year’s Republic Day Parade will combine 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ with India’s military power, notably the BrahMos and Akash missiles, and rich cultural variety through 30 vivid tableaux.
This is the first Republic Day Parade since Operation Sindoor last year, and it promises a special demonstration of military might using cutting-edge defence platforms, as well as a big flypast by 29 aircraft.
The flypast will feature the Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 in various formations.
The Republic Parade will showcase cutting-edge defense platforms as well as a stunning cultural performance by 2,500 performers honoring Vande Mataram and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Meanwhile, participants in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio show ‘Mann ki Baat’ will join construction workers at Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis, and approximately 10,000 other special guests from various fields to see the Republic Day Parade.
According to the Defense Ministry, the VIP guest list comprises those who have done outstanding work in generating income and employment, as well as the greatest inventors, researchers, and start-ups, self-help groups, and top performers in major government initiatives.
Source: IANS
