Nari Shakti: All-Women Contingents Steal the Show at 75th Republic Day Celebrations in India
The Republic Day celebration today was a reminder of India’s rich cultural roots and increasing strength in the armed forces. The nation celebrated this momentous occasion with President Droupadi Murmu leading from the newly-named Kartavya Path in the national capital.
The Chief Guest was French President Emmanuel Macron, for the first time since 1998, a French leader was present at the Republic Day celebrations. The grandeur of the event was further enhanced by the presence of a 30-member band contingent and a 90-member marching contingent of the French armed forces. The French Air and Space Force also showcased their strength through a multirole tanker aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets conducting a flypast.
Following the twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra Ki Matruka’ this year, the parade had the largest-ever gathering of 13,000 special guests. For the first time, over 100 women artists playing traditional Indian instruments like shank, naadswaram and nagada welcomed the parade.
In this regard, the marching of the all-women tri-service contingent of the Indian Armed Forces along the Kartavya Path marked women’s empowerment. Women pilots also entertained the viewers during the flypast as a mark of respect to ‘Nari Shakti’. This year, all the contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were led by women personnel.
The parade commenced at 10: 30 AM with the National War Memorial paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The parade lasted for 90 minutes and presented India’s cultural diversity and indigenous military might.
The contingent from the Indian Army was led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat from the 61 Cavalry Regiment, the only active horsed cavalry unit in the world today. The contingents led by Lt Prajwal M consisted of 144 Agniveers including women personnel for the Navy. The naval tableau showcased the themes of ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenisation’.
The Air Force contingent of 144 airmen and 4 officers was headed by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. The DRDO tableau on ‘Women Power in Defence’ showcased indigenously developed technologies. Women also headed the CAPF contingents of BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Delhi Police.
The military hardware included main battle tanks, infantry combat vehicles, air defence systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems manufactured indigenously. In addition to highlighting India’s cultural heritage and military strength, the magnificent parade celebrated 75 years of progressive democracy.
