President Droupadi Murmu on Monday unfurled the Tricolour at Kartavya Path, formally marking the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
The President arrived at the ceremonial venue in a traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard. She was accompanied by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luís Santos da Costa, who are the chief guests at this year’s celebrations.
As the national event commenced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial near India Gate. He was joined by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P S Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
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A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various Ministries, Departments, and Services, rolled down the Kartavya Path during the parade. The tableaux were presented under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Officials said the displays reflected a blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram and the country’s rapid progress driven by increasing self-reliance across sectors, while highlighting India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. [KNT]
