Rafale Jets and Marching Contingents Steal the Show at 77th Republic Day Parade
On Monday, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade along Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing the nation's military prowess and cultural diversity. The event, attended by thousands of spectators, left a lasting impression on many first-time attendees, particularly with the display of Rafale fighter jets and elite marching contingents.
Awe-Inspiring Aerial Display
The highlight for many was the breathtaking aerial display by Rafale aircraft, which whizzed over Kartavya Path, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. Ashish Shah, a 63-year-old former college professor attending his first Republic Day parade, expressed his exhilaration. "However old you might be, the parade and aircraft make you feel like a child, it makes me energetic," he said, capturing the sentiment of many in attendance.
Grand Parade and Distinguished Guests
The parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute, accompanied by chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. They arrived at the venue in a traditional buggy, flanked by the Indian president's bodyguards. The event was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, other Union ministers, top military officials, foreign diplomats, and senior officials.
Cultural and Technological Showcase
A total of 30 tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path, including:
- 17 from states and union territories
- 13 from ministries, departments, and services
These tableaux highlighted India's rich heritage and achievements. Vivek Kapoor, 76, attending his second parade after 65 years, marveled at the technological advancements. He noted how actor Anupam Kher's voice was recorded and played during performances by 2,500 artists from across India, showcasing traditional dance forms.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Approximately 10,000 special guests, including farmers, artisans, scientists, innovators, women entrepreneurs, students, sportspersons, beneficiaries of government schemes, and frontline workers, were invited. Raveena Tanwar, 30, brought her children to the parade to provide a real-life lesson. "I wanted to make sure my children actually know what they read about in the textbooks," she said, hoping her kids and their cousins would be inspired by the event and learn about India's history.
First-Time Experiences
Many attendees, like Aritra Dhar, 27, and Shishir Kana, 22, from West Bengal, were first-timers at the parade. As MBA students at the National Power Training Institute, they were particularly impressed by the fleet of fighter jets and the Bhairav Battalion. "We always wanted to see the parade as this day gave us the principles on which the country runs," Aritra, a UPSC aspirant, added, emphasizing the parade's significance in fostering national pride.
The 77th Republic Day parade not only displayed India's military might with missiles and indigenous weapon systems but also celebrated its cultural unity, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
