Government School Bands Make History at Republic Day Parade 2025

New Delhi: For the first time in history, three government school bands are set to perform in the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2025, showcasing their talent and discipline on a national stage. These school teams have earned their spots after excelling in the National School Band Competition 6.0, held on January 24–25 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.

The team from PM SHRI Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Patamda, Jharkhand, will have the prestigious honor of performing at the Rostrum opposite the Presidential dais, synchronized with the Army band. Meanwhile, bands from Govt. Senior Secondary School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim, and PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Belagavi Cantonment, Karnataka, will perform at Vijay Chowk.

Inspiring Journeys of Excellence

• PM SHRI KGBV Patamda, Jharkhand:
  The 25-member girls’ pipe band team from this rural school has an incredible story of perseverance. Hailing from underprivileged families reliant on farming and daily labor, many of the students are experiencing their first train journey to Delhi. Guided by instructors from the Sikh Regiment and Punjab Regiment at the Ramgarh Army Regimental Centre, the team has been practicing for three years, enduring freezing mornings and long hours to perfect their craft. Their dedication paid off when they triumphed at the 2024-25 State-Level School Band Competition in Ranchi, surpassing previous champions and emerging victorious.
• Govt. Sr. Sec. School West Point, Gangtok, Sikkim:
  The brass band girls’ team from Sikkim has become a benchmark for excellence, securing state, zonal, and national-level accolades. Despite coming from humble and challenging backgrounds, these young musicians have displayed unmatched dedication and emerged as Eastern Region Champions, competing against the nation’s best.
• PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Belagavi Cantonment, Karnataka:
  This boys’ pipe band contingent consists of students from families with strong ties to the Indian Army. Trained by the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), Belagavi, the team showcases precision and discipline that reflects their rigorous training and determination.

Army Collaboration and Holistic Development

This initiative exemplifies the government’s “whole-of-government” approach, as Army Regimental Centres across 11 states and union territories are actively training PM SHRI school band teams. The collaboration is expected to expand, with more schools joining the band system and benefiting from the Army’s expertise.

The program is supported under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which provides financial aid for organizing state-level band competitions. It is aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes holistic education, skill enhancement, and discipline.

This initiative goes beyond musical training—it instills patriotism, national pride, and unity among students. By providing opportunities for underprivileged children to showcase their talents on prestigious platforms, it reaffirms the government’s commitment to creating well-rounded, confident citizens.