Majority based on women empowerment
New Delhi: At the Republic Day parade in the national capital on Thursday, 23 tableaux — 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments — rolled down the Kartavya Path showing a plethora of cultures from across the country and bringing the boulevard alive with song and dance.
The parade was kicked off in Delhi by the guest contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces, followed by a show of strength by the Indian Armed Forces.
Only made-in-India weapons are on display this year.
The indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns (IFG) offered the 21-gun salute to President Droupadi Murmu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed President Murmu and her Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the ceremony’s chief guest.
The parade, which began at around 10.30 a.m., is showcasing the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, women power and the emergence of a ‘New India’.
It was commanded by the Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, second generation Army officer.
Major General Bhavnish Kumar Parade, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area, was second-in-command.
Param Vir Chakra winner Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bana Singh, 8 JAK LI (Retd); Subedar Maj (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers (Retd); ubedar (Honorary Lt) Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles; and Ashoka Chakra winner Maj Gen CA Pithawala (Retd) were on a jeep behind Deputy Parade Commander Col D Sriram Kumar and Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh (Retd).
Majority of tableaux based on Women Empowerment
Most of the tableaux that rolled down the Kartavya path on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day parade on Thursday were centred around ‘women empowerment’.
Around 479 artists, who were selected through Vande Bharatam dance competition organised across the country, added color to the Republic Day parade with their performances. The theme of the cultural programme was ‘Nari Shakti’ performed by 326 women dancers, supported by 153 men dancers in the age group of 17 to 30 years.
They were seen performing a fusion dance of classical, folk and contemporary depicting the ‘power of women’ through the five elements earth, water, air, space and fire. This is the second time that the dancers for the cultural program have been selected through a nationwide competition.
Twenty-three tableaux – 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries – depicting the country’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and strong internal and external security, rolled down on Kartavya Path.
Andhra Pradesh tableau presented Prabhala Theertham – the festival of farmers during Makar Sankranti. Kerala presents the tableau of aNar i Shakti’ and folk traditions of women empowerment. The tractor portrays Karthyayani Amma, the winner of Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2020 who top scored the literacy examination at the age of 96
The Jammu & Kashmir tableau with its theme ‘Naya J&K’ showcased the holy Amarnath Shrine and Tulip gardens and lavender cultivation.
The Ladakh tableau was based on the tourism and overall culture there. In the tableau of Uttarakhand, the temple of Jageshwar Dham located near Almora, Garhwal, Kumaon and Manaskhand were presented.
The tableau of Tripura showcased sustainable livelihood through tourism and organic farming in Tripura with active participation of women.
The main attraction of Jharkhand’s tableau was the glimpse of Baba Baidyanath Dham. A glimpse of women empowerment was also seen in the tableau of Tamil Nadu, along with this the culture of Tamil Nadu has also been shown in it.
The tableau of Karnataka also presented Nari Shakti Mahotsav. In the tableau of Uttar Pradesh, the festival of lights and the record of lighting lakhs of lamps together was displayed. This tableau was based on the Ayodhya Deepotsav.
The tableau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare showcased the International Year of Millets 2023 and India’s initiative on it. This tableau depicts the importance of millets like millet, jowar and ragi.
The tableau of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs featured Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS). In the tableau of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Narcotics Control Bureau has shown ‘Sankalp 75 – Drug-free India’. Women power has been shown in the tableau of the Central Armed Police Forces of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Central Public Works Department tried to explain biodiversity conservation in its tableau.
