Stage set for the Republic Day Parade 2023 to showcase India’s indigenous military prowess, cultural diversity & Nari Shakti-Puri
Jaswant Singh Puri/ January 25,2023
Republic Day’s importance stems from the adoption of the constitution. It is a day of immense historical importance since adoption of the Constitution of India was materialized on 26 January, 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act, 1935 which was the governing document of India. Though India became free from the clutches of the British Regime on 15 August, 1947 but it remained governed by the Colonial Government of India Act of 1935. January 26, 1950 was chosen as the official date as a green signal to absolute self-rule.
With the Constitution of 1950 on 26 January, the country was officially known a “Sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic to secure all its citizens-justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.” BR Ambedkar stated: “Constitution is not a mere lawyers’ document, it is a vehicle of life. Its spirit is always the spirit of the age.”
The credit for the draft of the Indian Constitution is crowned to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar who is the backbone and torchbearer of the Constitution. It was framed in accordance with the needs and conditions of the Indian people. On this very day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad began his term as the First President of India and the Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under provisions of the New Constitution.
This day of utmost significance is celebrated with spectacular military and cultural pageantry in New Delhi. Armed Forces Personnel march along the Kartavya Path in a fantastic display of military might. The celebrations are inaugurated with a grand parade from Raisina Hill near the President’s House along the Kartavya Path, passing India Gate and the Red Fort. The performance of parades signifies a tribute to India, its unity in diversity, its astounding and abundant cultural heritage by the various states of India where traditional dance troupes participate in the parades.
The main celebration of Republic Day is going to be held at the national capital, New Delhi at the Kartavya Path earlier called Rajpath in the presence of the President, Prime Minister and other high ranking officials of India.
The Republic Day parade, which will begin at around 1030 hrs, will be a unique mix of the country’s military prowess & cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a ‘New India’.
The President of India is to raise the National Flag to mark the Republic Day ceremony. This year, Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is the Chief Guest with 120 members Egyptian Contingent. India and Egypt have a long legacy of cultural exchange and friendship. President Droupadi Murmu will be raising the flag and march during the celebrations on Kartavya Path. India is well prepared to watch a colourful grand celebration on Republic Day with a huge drone show to a finale featuring playback singer Kailash Kher. It will depict the nation’s cultural diversity, the rise of the start-up ecosystem and Digital India and technological power of the youth which is to be organized by Botlabs Dynamics.
The Prime Minister is to stress that Republic Day symbolises about the sovereignty of people and they should celebrate it vigorously. ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (Participation of the people) is the main theme of this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Varied hues of dance forms like Gaura Maria, Siddi Dhamal, Baiga Pardhoni, Purulia, Bagurumba, Ghusadi, Balti, Karma etc. are to be shown in colourful sequences. The Indian Armed Forces are going to present its strength by displaying Horseshow, Motorcycle Display, Air Warrior Drill and Martial Arts. Moreover, 3-D Anamorphic Projection is to be organized during the ‘beating the Retreat’ ceremony. The theme of ‘Nari Shakti’ is to be displayed when a huge number of 503 dancers are to put up a cultural show.
It is a matter of immense pleasure and pride that three children from Punjab State have been selected for National Bravery Award. They are sixteen year old Amandeep Kaur who saved four children from burning school van in Sangrur district; Kusum is fifteen year old who bravely ‘fended off’ mobile snatchers in Jalandhar and Azaan, who is eleven year old, saved several lives during a landslide in Kashmir during his visit to Amarnath Shrine last year.
It is a matter of pride that the 74th Republic Day will witness the Army Display of only ‘Made in India’ weapons and equipment and the vintage artillery will be replaced by 105 mm Indian field guns. The focus of this year’s parade is ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’. Women officers will be part of the contingents of Corps of Signals, Army Air Defence and Army Daredevils. Lieutenant Dimple Singh Bhati will be jointly leading the Corps of Signals’ Daredevil Team.
The Centre has been conferring the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on children for their exceptional achievement in six categories-innovation, social service, scholastic, sports, art and culture, and bravery.
Lieutenant Commodore (29), a Naval Air Operations Officer posted in the tri-service Andaman Nicobar Command will lead the 144 – member contingent of young sailors. It will include three women and newly recruited ‘Agniveers’.
Another woman officer Sub-Lieutenant Valli Meena will be one of the three platoon commanders. The naval tableau will bear the theme as ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Made in India’ platforms like the Scorpene or Kalvari Submarines and Nilgiri type frigates from Assam.
Moreover, Padma Awards, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Force wise/State wise Medal Awardees, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar, Correctional Service Medal are conferred. Besides, the President’s fire medals, Home Guard and Civil Defence Honours, Jeevan Raksha Padak are also bestowed upon brave hearts.
On this prestigious day, the brave hearts and heroes, the soldiers of our country are honoured with awards who have dedicated their lives to protect the nation. It is the duty of all the citizens to make our nation a better place to live on this planet. It is a time for all Indians to put their heads together and celebrate the values and principles that make our nation great.
Note: This article is dedicated to Smt. Alka Puri, M.A. (Hindi, B.Ed.). She was the Secretary, Ladies Club, Punjabi University, Patiala during the tenure of Vice-Chancellor Dr. S.S. Johal who was awarded with prestigious award Padma Bhushan in 2004. Smt. Alka Puri was the wife of Dr. Ajit Singh Puri and mother of Jaswant Singh Puri.
(The views expressed are personal)
