Women Power Focus Of India’s Republic Day Parade

NEW DELHI, (ANI) – ‘Nari shakti’ took centerstage as women soldiers marched down the Kartavya Path on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day on January 26.
President Droupadi Murmu commenced the celebrations by unfurling the national flag at Kartavya Path.
She arrived with her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest in the ‘Traditional Buggy’, a practice which made a comeback after a gap of
Viksit Bharat’s rich cultural diversity and the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ military prowess were the themes that graced Kartavya Path apart from the dominating theme of ‘nari shakti’ in the 90-minute parade.
The 75th Republic Day March Past began on Kartavya Path with the proud winners of the highest gallantry awards, the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra, following Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar.
For the first time, an all-women contingent of the Armed Forces Medical Services marched on Kartavya Path, led by Major Srishti Khullar, with Capt Amba Samant from the Army Dental Corps, Surg Lt Kanchana from the Indian Navy, and Flt Lt Dhivya Priya from the Indian Air Force.
French troops and aircraft also participated in the “Platinum Republic Day Parade’ at the Kartavya Path.
The French Foreign Legion music band, led by Captain Khourda, consisting of 30 musicians marched first, playing the Legion’s anthem.
‘Aavaahan’, encompassing an exquisite symphony of a variety of Indian musical instruments from across the country was at the forefront of the grand ceremonial parade. The distinguished band comprising 112 women artists played a variety of folk and tribal percussion instruments, becoming a powerful symbol of women’s strength and prowess.
16 states and Union Territories also displayed their heritage diversity with the help of cultural performances and tableaux.
Manipur’s Ima Keithel or “Mother’s Market, a 500-year-old market, the only in the world run entirely by women, was the central theme of the state’s tableau that was showcased to the nation from Kartavya Path.
The Central Armed Police women’s personnel exhibited their prowess of ‘Naari Shakti’. 265 women bikers on motorcycles showcase the bravery and valor and determination of the Indian women who are deployed across the length and breadth of the nation providing “Sarvatra Suraksha”.
Spectators were dazzled with the scintillating air show that served as the grand finale of the ‘Platinum Republic Day’ function. It comprised 54 aircraft including three from the French Air and Space Force, 46 from the Indian Air Force, one from the Indian Navy and four helicopters from the Indian Army.