The Republic Day parade will focus on women’s empowerment, according to the Defence Secretary.

The considerable alterations, themed around ‘vikshit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat Loktantra Matrika’ (Bharat mother of democracy), are a break from the past, which was centred on demonstrating military superiority.

The government has opted to make Nari shakti and achievers the overarching emphasis of the show at Kartavya Path, which will open with a performance by a hundred women artists performing Indian instruments. The considerable improvements, centred around “vikshit Bharat” and “Bharat Loktantra Matrika (Bharat mother of democracy)”, represent a shift from the past, which was heavily focused on demonstrating military superiority. However, there has been no lessening in the display of military strength.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day Parade, where marching and band contingents, as well as two Rafale fighter and transporter aircraft from France, will join their Indian counterparts, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said Friday. The Indian delegation also took part in the French Bastille Day in Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the principal guest.

First time

The government has assured that Jan Bhagidiri from all across India would participate in various aspects of the Republic Day parade’s display and performances. For the first time, 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments will lead the march, which begins at 10.30 a.m. and lasts around 90 minutes. According to the Defence Secretary, the procession would begin with music from Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, and other genres performed by female musicians.

The parade will also feature an all-women tri-service contingent walking along Kartavya Path for the first time. The CAPF contingents will also include female members. “Best representation of women will be seen in this year’s Republic Day parade,” the Defence Secretary stated.

Around 13,000 Special Guests from throughout India have been invited to observe the march in order to promote public engagement, something Modi has been attempting in government initiatives and celebrations to reduce the elitism that has traditionally characterised official gatherings. The Defence Secretary remarked that the goal is to create a chance for individuals from all walks of life to participate in the national event.

Special Guests include top performers and beneficiaries of government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural & Urban), PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Street Vendor’s Aatmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Stand-Up India, and Pre

The march will also include Sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, women workers from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Electronic Manufacturing Sector, and the Central Vista Project, ISRO women space scientists, yoga teachers (Ayushman Bharat), international sports event champions, and Paralympic medalists. This is in addition to the finest self-help organisations, farmers’ producer associations, references to the PM Mann Ki Baat project, the ‘Super-100’ of Project Veer Gatha 3.0, and the winners of the National School Band Competition. These VIP visitors will be conspicuously seated along Kartavya Path.

Arrangements made

The seating capacity at Kartavya Path is 77,000, with 42,000 allotted for the general public. The government has provided free metro tickets and parking for people attending the procession.

Giridhar Aramane further claimed that ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread,’ which consists of over 1,900 sarees and drapes from all across the nation, will be displayed behind the seating enclosures, marking another first in the cultural extravaganza planned for the Republic Day parade.

Hinting at Punjab’s objection to being left out, the Defence Secretary stated that to address the concerns of some states/UTs about the non-inclusion of their tableau in the parade, the Ministry of Defence has devised a unique three-year roll-over plan that ensures equitable participation on a rotational basis of all states and UTs over a three-year period. During the procession, 25 tableaux representing 16 states/UTs and nine Ministries/Departments will roll along the Kartavya Path.