The country’s cultural heritage and diversity will take centre stage at this year’s Republic Day parade on January 26, showcasing India as the ‘mother of democracy’ and will also be women-centric. For the first time, the parade will commence with music played using Indian musical instruments by 100 women artists, instead of the military band as was earlier, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said on Friday. In a first for another country, French Rafale fighter jets will fly over Kartavya Path, in addition to a French marching contingent as French President Emmanuel Macron looks on as the chief guest.
A 144 personnel tri-service women contingent would be participating in the parade this time for the first time with 48 personnel from each service. Also, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) latest induction, the C-295 medium transport aircraft, will make its debut over Kartavya Path during the fly-past. All the cultural performances will be by women, around 1,300, the highest number of performers ever. In addition, around 13,000 achievers in various fields and those who excelled through various government schemes will be special invitees at the parade.
“The main themes of this year’s parade are ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat — Loktantra ki Matruka’ and around 13,000 special guests pan India have been invited to witness the parade,” Mr. Aramane told the media. The objective of inviting special guests is to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to “take part in the national festival, in line with the government’s vision of Jan Bhagidari.”
“A 95-member marching contingent and 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade. Along with the aircraft of the Indian Air Force, one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft of the French Air Force will participate in the fly-past,” the Defence Secretary said.
He said women marching contingents would form the major chunk of the parade, and most of the tableaux of States and union territories as well as Central ministries and organisations showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity, unity, and progress. ‘Anant Sutra — the endless thread’ showcasing nearly 1,900 sarees and drapes from every corner of the country to be another highlight, Mr. Aramane said. “We will see the most colourful backdrop in the RD parade ever.”
In addition to the tri-service contingent, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents would have all-women contingents, the Defence Secretary said. “Best representation of women will be seen in this year’s parade.”
The parade would start at 10.30 a.m. and run for approximately 90 minutes. The seating capacity at Kartavya Path is 77,000, of which 42,000 is reserved for the general public.
source: https://www.thehindu.com/