The main focus of the 75th Republic Day celebrations at the magnificent Kartavya Path on January 26 is largely women-centric with the dominant theme being India's democracy and its determination to become a developed country.
For the first time, a delegation of 144 tri-Service women contingent is marching down the ceremonial promenade at the parade: 48 personnel from each service. During the fly-past, the C-295 medium transport aircraft, the newest addition to the Indian Air Force (IAF), is making its debut over the Kartavya Path.
There are 1,300 or more women performing across all cultural genres, which is a record number of women ever. Approximately 13,000 exceptional individuals from diverse areas and those who have excelled through government initiatives are invited as special guests to the parade. 100 women musicians playing Indian instruments are leading the procession instead of the military band.
Two French Air Force Rafale fighter jets and one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft are participating in the fly-past. The Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations is French President Emmanuel Macron. The parade will also feature a 33-member French band contingent and a 95-member marching team from France.
This year's fly-past will feature 51 aircraft in total, including 29 fighters, 8 transport aircraft, 13 helicopters, and 1 heritage aircraft from the Indian Air Force. Among them are four Army helicopters and one Navy P-8i maritime patrol plane, which would operate in two different formations. This force consists of 48 Agniveervayu Women and Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Verma is marching as a supernumerary officer of the (tri-Service) contingent.
The Ministry of Culture is presenting 'Anant Sutra — The Endless Thread', a textile installation at Kartavya Path, as another exciting project. It features approximately 1,900 saris and drapes from across the nation.
Image source: Business Today, TOI, India Today