New Delhi, Jan 25: As Republic Day approaches, nationwide preparations for the celebration are in full swing. In Delhi, the focal point for the festivities is Rajpath, where impressive parades featuring the Indian army, navy, air force, police, and paramilitary groups will unfold.
The Republic Day 2024 parade is scheduled to commence at 10:30 am on January 26, following the route from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path. The venue, capable of accommodating approximately 77,000 people, will reserve 42,000 seats for the general public.
The themes for this year are anticipated to resonate with "Viksit Bharat" and "Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka," emphasizing India's fundamental qualities as a democracy.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations in India. Arriving at Jaipur airport on January 25, Macron's itinerary includes visits to prominent landmarks such as Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. He will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his time in Jaipur.
Later on the same day, the French president will travel to Delhi. On January 26, he is slated to witness the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest and participate in the 'At Home' Reception hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Here are some key highlights and special features for this year's Republic Day celebrations:
- For the first time, an all-women tri-services group will participate in the Republic Day Parade, showcasing women troops from the Army's military police and personnel from the other two services.
- Two of the three living Param Vir Chakra awardees, Hony Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, will be part of the Republic Day parade.
- Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, who participated in the French Bastille Day parade in Paris, will be part of the Republic Day parade, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between India and France.
- A French contingent, including a marching contingent, a band contingent, two Rafale fighters, and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft, will participate in the celebrations.
- Six Indians will join the French military team marching alongside Indian contingents at the Republic Day parade.
- The Culture Ministry's 'Anant Sutra' exhibition will showcase sarees from various Indian states and union territories, creatively displayed with QR codes providing details about weaving and embroidery techniques.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will feature a tableau in the parade, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) across diverse sectors.
- ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission achievements will be highlighted in the Republic Day Parade.
- A French refuel aircraft and two Rafale aircraft will participate in the flypast, showcasing new-generation vehicles and notable aircraft like ALH Dhruv Rudra and LCH Prachand.
- The Indian Air Force flypast will feature 51 planes, including 15 women aviators.
- Approximately 13,000 special guests, including top performers in various fields and beneficiaries of government schemes, have been invited to witness the parade.
- Special guests include individuals who excelled in government schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Street Vendor's Aatmanirbhar Nidhi, and many more.
- A special emphasis is placed on including Vibrant Villages in the list of special guests, recognizing their tough livelihoods. Republic Day 2024 promises to be a memorable celebration, blending tradition, innovation, and international cooperation.
