Republic Day Parade Concludes After IAF Flypast; PM Greets People
Catch all live updates of India’s 72nd Republic Day celebrations here.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic and farmers’ tractor rally against the farm laws, Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi wore a different look this year.
With no chief guest for the parade, the number of people witnessing the event has also been reduced to 25,000 from 1.25 lakh the year before.
Ahead of the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to martyrs at the National War Memorial. As the parade concluded, PM Modi walked down Rajpath to greet people who came to witness the celebrations.
- It is for the first time in over five decades that India does not have a chief guest at the Republic Day Parade
- The size of marching contingents was reduced from 144 to 96
- All members who were a part of tableaux contingents had undergone COVID-19 testing
- Unlike previous years, children did not receive bravery awards in person due to physical distancing protocols
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President Hails Farmers, Scientists and Soldiers on Republic Day Eve
On the eve of Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind said the values outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution are sacred to everybody in the nation.
The President said in his speech said: "These values – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity – outlined in the Preamble of our Constitution are sacred to all of us. Its abiding adherence is meant not only for those who are mandated to govern but for the people at large.
"Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are perennial principles of our philosophy of life. They come to us from the dawn of this civilisation through an unbroken chain," he said.
Farmers to Undertake Tractor Rally
Farmers protesting against the new contentious farm laws, after significant back and forth with the Delhi Police, will undertake a tractor rally even as India gears up to celebrate its 72nd Republic Day, in the national capital.
The tractor rally is slated to begin amid tight security after the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations.
Since 26 November, thousands of farmers have been protesting against the three farm laws – Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 – at the borders of the national capital.
Prime Minister Modi Wishes People Republic Day on Twitter
Bravehearts to be Awarded Posthumously
Major Anuj Sood, who lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir earlier in May 2020 has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously, while Colonel Santosh Babu who had lost his life in the Galwan valley clashes, has been awarded Mahavir Chakra posthumously.
(Source: ANI)
Delhi Police Issues Advisory on Which Roads to Avoid
Issuing an advisory on which roads to avoid in the capital, Delhi Traffic Police cautioned that traffic is very heavy on GTK road, Outer ring road, Badli road, KN Katzu marg, Madhuban chowk, Kanzhawala road, Palla road, Narela and DSIDC Narela roads.
They also advised citizens to avoid Wazirabad road, ISBT road, GT road, Pushta road, Vikas marg, NH-24, Road no. 57, and Noida link road.
'Extraordinary Constitution': UK PM Boris Johnson in his Republic Day Wishes
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson who had to cancel his India visit over concerns of the spread of UK’s mutant coronavirus strain, extended Republic Day wishes to India, NDTV reported.
In a video message, he said India was “the biggest sovereign democracy in the world” with an “extraordinary Constitution”.
Boris, who was invited to be the chief guest of the Republic Day Parade, expressed sadness over missing the event and said, “I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against COVID has kept me in London.”
A Modest Celebration Amid Pandemic
The Republic Day parade that is taking place amid the pandemic will be a modest celebration with fewer spectators and contingents. However, the newly inducted Rafale fighter jet will make a debut.
As per reports, a total of 32 tableaux will take part in the parade, starting with the Bangladeshi tri-service contingent, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohatsim Haider Chaudhary, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
PTI quoted the Defence Ministry as saying, “The Bangladesh contingent will carry the legacy of legendary Muktijoddhas, who... liberated Bangladesh in 1971.”
Mobile Internet Services Temporarily Suspended in J&K
According to reports, mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended across Kashmir Valley as a security measure, in view of Republic Day celebrations.
PM Modi Pays Homage to Martyrs at National War Memorial
As India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day, Prime Minister Modi lays the wreath to pay tribute to martyrs at New Delhi's National War Memorial.
He was seen wearing a special paghdi for the occasion, especially gifted by the royal family of Jamnagar.
President Kovind Leaves from Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
Republic Day Parade Begins
The 21-Gun Salute has been presented by the Ceremonial Battery of the 223 Field Regiment, following the unfurling of the national flag. The Tricolour was unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.
The 72nd Republic Day Parade was led by Commander Lt Gen Vijay Kumar Mishra.
Bangladeshi Contingent Participates in R-Day Parade for the First Time
The parade began with a Bangladeshi tri-service contingent, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohatsim Haider Chaudhary, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The 122-member strong contingent is participating in the parade for the first time. The first six rows of the contingent were of the Army, followed by two rows each of the Navy and the Air Force.
Brahmos Missile System on Display
Captain Quamrul Zaman is leading the Brahmos Weapon System at Rajpath. This missile has been developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It has a maximum range of 400 km.
Indian Naval Band Marches Down Rajpath
The Naval Brass Band, led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune ‘Jai Bharti’ marches down Rajpath.
Live: Watch India's 72nd Republic Day Parade
Cpt Preeti Choudhary Only Woman Contingent Commander from Army in Parade
Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) is the only woman contingent commander of the Army in the parade, leading the upgraded Schilka Weapon system.
The Schilka Weapon system is equipped with modern radar and digital fire control computers.
Wishes Pour in from Bollywood Celebrities on Social Media Platforms
One of India's First Three Women Fighter Pilots Part of Parade
Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade.
Delhi Showcases Shahjahanabad Redevelopment; UP Shows Ram Temple Model
While the tableau from Delhi showcased the redevelopment of the Shahjahanabad area, the one from Uttar Pradesh featured a model of the Ram temple to be built at Ayodhya.
Rafale Jets, Tejas in IAF Flypast at Republic Day Parade
One Rafale with two Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft and two MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters, in 'Eklavya’ formation flew over Rajpath in flypast by the Indian Air Force.
The ‘Trinetra’ formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a ‘Trishul in the Sky’ was also undertaken by the IAF. The formation was led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni.
The flypast concluded with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft was piloted by Group Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.
Air Balloons in Colours of Indian Flag Released
PM Modi, President Kovind, Others Leave Rajpath as Parade Concludes
India, Australia Share More Than the Same National Day: PM Morrison
Australian PM Scott Morrison said that while 26 January is Australia Day as well, the two nations share a lot more than a common national day.
“What wonderful coincidence it's of our history that 26 January Australia Day, is India's Republic Day, a national day shared between friends. Australia-India share more than national day. We pursue same ideals-democracy, freedom, liberty, diversity, enterprise, opportunity,” he said.
“Our history is long and our connections are many. With each year, we become even closer. The global pandemic has not divided us but has made us appreciate these shared ideals even more,” he said.