The Republic Day parade this year showcased India's military might, cultural diversity and many unique initiatives to mark the celebration of the 75th year of independence. This year the celebrations commenced on January 23 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Netaji's 125th birth anniversary, unveiled the hologram statue of the freedom fighter at India Gate in Delhi. The grand Republic Day parade started on 26th January amid foggy weather. As per tradition, the national flag was unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute, presented by Ceremonial Battery of 871 Field Regiment.
On the eve of Republic Day celebrations, President Ram Nath Kovind approved awards of 384
gallantry and other defence decorations to armed forces personnel and others. The President also
approved the conferment of 128 Padma awards this year. The list comprises four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri awards.
Many firsts this year
A flypast by 75 aircraft and helicopters was the highlight of this year's parade. This year's celebrations are significant - it's the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, being observed as 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' across the country. Strict Covid protocol was in place as only 5,000 people attended the celebrations.
The parade started at 10:30 am, half-an-hour later than usual for better visibility. Ahead of the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. The parade, led by Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, started after the tricolour was unfurled with a 21-gun salute. The winners of the country's highest gallantry awards, Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, led the contingents in saluting the President, the Supreme Commander of armed forces.
How Indian Army uniforms and rifles evolved over the decades since independence was on display at the parade. Three contingents of the Army wore uniforms and carried rifles from previous decades, and one wore the new combat uniform and carried the latest Tavor rifles.
President Kovind posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry award, to Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir. The officer's wife received the award on his behalf.
The contingents of security forces were followed by tableux from states that showcased India's cultural diversity, with themes ranging from the freedom struggle to biodiversity. Several government ministries and departments also took out tabluex, highlighting flagship initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission. The Central Public Works Development tableau paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary.
About 480 dancers from diverse genres, who were selected through a nationwide dance competition, performed in the parade. The grand flypast began with the 'Dhwaj' formation with four Mi-17 aircraft and concluded with 17 Jaguar fighter aircraft flying in the 'Amrit' formation to commemorate 75 years of Independence.
Celebrations in Gujarat
In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel unfurled the tricolour at the state-level function
held at Gir Somnath district to mark the occasion. A total of 18 platoons of personnel from the
Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Mariner Police from Jamnagar, the Junagadh district and Rajkot city police, State Reserve Group, Gujarat Jail Police participated in the event held at the Sadbhavna ground.
