75th Republic Day of India Theme

The 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2024, will be women-centric with the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’. Women marching contingents will form the major chunk of the parade, with most of the tableaux of States/Union Territories (UTs) and Central Ministries/Organisations showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity, unity and progress. The themes have been selected in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s views that ‘India is truly a mother of democracy’.

For the first time, the parade will be heralded by 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade would commence with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. to be played by women artists.

The parade will also witness an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down Kartavya Path for the first time. The CAPF contingents will also consist of women personnel. 

75th Republic Day of India Chief Guest

French President Mr Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day Parade. A 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade. Along with the aircraft of the Indian Air Force, one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft of the French Air Force will participate in the Fly-past.

The History of The Indian Republic Day

On January 26, 1950, The constitution of India was formally adopted and that event is celebrated as Republic Day. On 15 August 1947, India got freedom from the British Government but the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. The day India got its constitution, that day is remarked as Republic Day. 

For drafting the constitution of India, The Constitution Assembly was assembled on 9 December 1946 and last met on 26 November 1949, which is also observed as Constitution Day. The Constituent Assembly of India was formed to design the Constitution for India.

Significance of Republic Day in India

After achieving Independence from British rule, The constitution drafting Committee Led by Dr. BR Ambedkar framed India’s constitution. 26th January was chosen as it was on that day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.

How is Republic Day celebrated in India? 

Republic Day is celebrated all over India with joy. The Honourable President of India hoists the National Flag of India (Tricolour) at the India Gate. The Parade takes place at Rajpath, New Delhi. The ceremonious parades take place at the Kartvya path, promoting India’s Diverse Culture and unity in diversity. 

The event also remembers the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country. The Prime Minister honours the martyrs by putting a ringlet at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate followed by a 21-gun Salute, Nation Flag Hoisting following the National Anthem. 

Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra awards were presented to the brave soldiers. Even children and civilians who have shown courage in times of adversity are also honoured with bravery awards.

India’s Republic Day celebrations are held across the nation, but the biggest one is held at Delhi, (the nation’s capital)

Every year the Live Telecast of the Republic Day Parade is made accessible to millions of people. Celebrations on a smaller scale, are also held in all the State capitals, where the Governor of the state unfurls the Flag. Celebrations are also held at District headquarters, subdivisions, talukas, and panchayats.

Republic Day is a day of pride and honor for every Indian citizen. After centuries under Britishers rule, we attained independence on 15 August 1947, but after two and a half years of independence of the country, i.e. on 26 January 1950, India became an independent republic.

On Republic Day, celebrations held across the country but the main celebration held at the nation’s capital, Delhi at Rajpath, India Gate. Parades by the Army, Navy, and Air force, state tableau, a dance performance by the school children are some of the ways in which republic day is celebrated. Also the PM, and the Chiefs of the three Armed forces reach the Amar Jawan Jyoti before the parade on Rajpath to pay tribute to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

On the occasion of Republic Day, Why PM and President pay tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti? What is the Significance of Amar Jawan Jyoti?

Amar Jawan Jyoti is an Indian memorial constructed after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 to commemorate the martyred and unknown soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who died during the war. Amar Jawan Jyoti consists of a marble pedestal on which a cenotaph is situated. “Amar Jawan” (Immortal Soldier) is scripted in gold on all four sides of the cenotaph and on top, an L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle stands on its barrel with a helmet of the Unknown Soldier on top. The pedestal is bound by four urns, one of which holds a continuously burning flame. (Source: Wikipedia)

 Amar Jawan Jyoti was inaugurated in the year 1979 by the then PM Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi paid tribute to the martyred soldiers on the occasion of 23^rd Republic Day. Since then, it became a tradition for the Prime Minister and the President to pay tribute to the martyrs here on the occasion of Independence Day and Republic Day.

A rifle is placed in the middle of the Amar Jawan Jyoti monument, on which a soldier’s helmet is mounted. The rifle and cap symbolize the soldiers who lost their lives during the Indo-Pak war.

Amar Jawan Jyoti is managed by Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. Here, soldiers are posted 24*7. On the respective service day, the Chief of the  Defence Staff, along with the Army Chief, Navy Chief, and Air Force Chief visits the monument to pay tribute to the Fallen Heroes of the Nation.

One of the unique features of Amar Jawan Jyoti is that it has four urns on all four corners of the Memorial having flames in it. One of these flames keeps burning throughout the year as a tribute to martyred soldiers.

From 2020 onwards, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, pays tribute to soldiers at the National War Memorial instead of India Gate on the occasion of Republic Day. The National War Memorial inaugurated by Narendra Modi on 25 February to honor all known martyrs (post-independence) of the Indian Armed Forces with their names written in ‘Golden letters and, with the igniting of the eternal flame of Jawans “Amar Jawan Jyoti”.