New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in commemorating the 75th Republic Day with a dazzling display of tradition and women empowerment at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The celebrations witnessed a resurgence of heritage as President Murmu and Chief Guest French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in a horse-pulled buggy, a practice revived after four decades.
Adding a novel twist to the customary march, the parade commenced with ‘Aavaahan,’ a band performance featuring over 100 women artists playing diverse percussion instruments, symbolizing the strength of Nari Shakti. This marked the first time that the parade was initiated by an all-women musical ensemble, playing instruments like Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, and more.
The Kartavya Path showcased a unique amalgamation of cultures as a combined Band and Marching contingent of the French Armed Forces participated in the march past. The 30-member band contingent, led by Captain Khourda, was followed by a 90-member marching contingent, headed by Captain Noel.
With the thematic focus on ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka,’ this year’s parade featured approximately 13,000 Special Guests, fostering Jan Bhagidari and encouraging diverse participation in the national festival.
Emphasizing India’s cultural diversity, unity, military prowess, and the burgeoning Nari Shakti, the parade featured the debut of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down Kartavya Path. The Fly-past, showcasing ‘Nari Shakti,’ featured women pilots enthralling the audience. Notably, the contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprised exclusively women personnel, embodying the spirit of women power in the nation’s armed forces.