The government had said that the Republic Day celebrations will now be celebrated for a week
India celebrated its 73rd Republic Day today with the iconic parade at Delhi's Rajpath showcasing its military prowess and cultural pageantry. A flypast by 75 aircraft and helicopters was the highlight of this year's parade.
This year's celebrations are significant - it's the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, being observed as 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' across the country.
Strict Covid protocol was in place as only 5,000 people attended the celebrations at Rajpath. Only fully vaccinated adults and children above 15 who had received the first shot were allowed. Due to the pandemic, there was no foreign contingent this year.
The parade started at 10:30 am, half-an-hour later than usual for better visibility. Ahead of the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.
The parade, led by Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, started after the tricolour was unfurled with a 21-gun salute. The winners of the country's highest gallantry awards, Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, led the contingents in saluting the President, the Supreme Commander of armed forces.
How Indian Army uniforms and rifles evolved over the decades since independence was on display at the parade. Three contingents of the Army wore uniforms and carried rifles from previous decades, and one wore the new combat uniform and carried the latest Tavor rifles.
President Kovind posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry award, to Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir. The officer's wife received the award on his behalf.
The contingents of security forces were followed by tableux from states that showcased India's cultural diversity, with themes ranging from the freedom struggle to biodiversity.
Several government ministries and departments also took out tabluex, highlighting flagship initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission. The Central Public Works Development tableau paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary.
About 480 dancers from diverse genre, who were selected through a nationwide dance competition, performed in the parade.
For the 'Beating Retreat' ceremony at Vijay Chowk on January 29, a drone show with 1,000 indigenously manufactured drones has been planned.
Here are the LIVE Updates of Republic Day 2022:
"India Can Be Best Republic In World If...": Odisha Chief Minister On Republic DayOn the occasion of 73rd Republic Day, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said "India can be the best Republic in the world if the values of the Constitution are reflected in our words and deeds." Addressing the people of the state, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the legendary leaders and freedom fighters and said "Our freedom struggle was not just a political struggle, it was a struggle for equality and justice."
"It was a fight against violence and exploitation. Our struggle has not only brought freedom to us but it was the greatest victory for humanity in the whole world. It is our independent values that have kept India strong despite all its diversity. Diversity is our strength. An important aspect of our lifestyle. We will never allow it to be wasted," Mr Patnaik said.
"Similarly, our constitution is an ideal constitution. The spirit of our democracy. As citizens of a great country, our constitution is the basis of all our strength. It has always inspired us to build a prosperous and just society," he added.
(ANI)
Japanese Envoy Satoshi Suzuki Extends Greetings On Republic DayJapanese Ambassador to India Satoshi Suzuki has congratulated the celebration event on the 73rd Republic Day at the Embassy of India in Tokyo today. "Congratulations to the celebration event on the 73rd Republic Day at the Embassy of India in Tokyo," said Satoshi Suzuki in a tweet on Wednesday. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi was also present at the event.
"On the occasion of the celebration of the 73rd Republic Day of India at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma read the President of India's address to the nation. The celebration was live telecast for the Indian diaspora in Japan and friends of India," the Indian Embassy in Japan said in a tweet.
Indian Embassy In Madagascar Celebrates 73rd Republic Day By Unfurling Tricolour
Indian Ambassador in Madagascar, Abhay Kumar today unfurled the National Flag to mark the 73rd Republic Day of India. The event was attended by the Indian community in Madagascar. Mr Kumar also hosted a reception on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India, in which the Foreign Minister of Madagascar Patrick Rajoelina was the Chief Guest. The President of the Senate of Madagascar also attended the reception besides the Ambassadors and the Heads of International Organisations in Madagascar. (ANI)
Chief Justice Of India Unfurls Tricolour At His Official Residence On Republic DayChief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana today unfurled the national flag at official residence in New Delhi on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day. The flag hoisting ceremony at his Krishna Menon Marg residence was attended by several apex court officials and security personnel, an official said. The CJI attended the Republic Day Parade and was seen wearing a shawl gifted to him by a delegation from Nagaland. (PTI)
Work Unitedly For Peaceful, Prosperous Manipur: Chief Minister On Republic DayChief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday said the people of the state should work unitedly for a peaceful, prosperous and developed Manipur. Addressing the Republic Day function at the Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Mr Singh said all the people of the state have the responsibility of building a strong Manipur. "Independent and Republic India has become a major power in the world today," he said. "We are able to celebrate this day because of the efforts of our forefathers who fought for India's freedom," he added. Mr Singh said the day also reminds the government how it should work for the development, progress and upliftment of people's lives.
(PTI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Unfurls Tricolour At Official Residence On Republic Day
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today unfurled the national flag at his official residence in Lucknow on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day. Like every year in the national capital Delhi, this year too, a glimpse of the country's strength and culture was seen on the Rajpath. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi showcased Kashi Vishwanath Dham's glorious history and achievements achieved through skill development and employment through the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. (ANI)
Punjab Chief Minister Unfurls Tricolour, Recalls Freedom Fighters' Sacrifices On R-DayPunjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi today unfurled the tricolour on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day and recalled the countless sacrifices made by freedom fighters during the country's Independence movement. Addressing a gathering at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium, Mr Channi called the Doaba region the "heartland of martyrs". "This region was the epicentre of the Ghadar and Babbar movements which spearheaded the freedom struggle against the British imperialism," he said. (ANI)
"Wonderful Friendship": Australian PM Shares Greetings On Republic DayAustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison today extended his warm wishes to India on its 73rd Republic Day as well as Australia Day. In a video message posted by Barry O' Farrell, Australia's High Commissioner to India Morrison said, "Namaste and Good Day, Australia and India are celebrating the day -- January 26 - Republic Day in India and Australia Day, here in Australia. We share a wonderful friendship between Australian and Indian people. We join with you celebrating democracy today, India and ours too. And celebrating the fantastic contribution of people with Indian heritage right here in Australia and all around the world." (ANI)
Video: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Unfurls National Flag On Republic DayOn the occasion of Republic Day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unfurled the national flag at his residence on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter, Mr Kejriwal said, "The Constitution of India is the largest written constitution in the world. Our constitution, written by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of every Indian. Many many greetings to all the countrymen on the 73rd Republic Day of the great Indian Republic." He also distributed sweets among Delhi Police personnel after the flag hoisting ceremony at his residence.
Tricolour Hoisted At Indian Mission In Pakistan On Republic DayIndian mission in Pakistan under Charge d' Affaires Dr Suresh Kumar hoisted India's national flag and read out President Ram Nath Kovind's message as a part of observing 73rd Republic Day. "On the occasion of #RepublicDay2022 Dr Suresh Kumar, Cd'A hoisted the Tricolour at HCI Islamabad and read the President's message," tweeted Indian High Commission in Pakistan. (ANI)
"Tied By Bonds That Span Over Decades": UK PM's Greetings On Republic DayUK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has extended his wishes to the people of India on the country's 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday. "The UK and India are tied by bonds that span over decades, through generations and across some of the greatest challenges we have faced," Johnson said in a tweet on Wednesday. (ANI)
India's Envoy To Russia Reads Out President's Message On Republic DayIndian Ambassador to Russia, Pavan Kapoor, read out President Ram Nath Kovind's message and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi to observe India's 73rd Republic Day. "On the 73rd #RepublicDay of India, @AmbKapoor paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, unfurled the national flag and read out the President's message to the Nation," tweeted Indian Embassy in Moscow.
(ANI)
Watch: Puducherry Governor Unfurls Tricolour At Republic Day CelebrationPuducherry Lieutenant Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan today unfurled the national flag on the occasion of Republic Day. "Unfurled the tricolor and took salute of the impressive #RepublicDay parade in #Puducherry," she tweeted. Alongside Chief Minister Shri N Rangasamy, his cabinet colleagues, Speaker Members of Parliament, legislators, officials, freedom fighters, public and media personnel were among those present at the Republic Day celebrations at Puducherry.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Unfurls Flag During Republic Day CelebrationsMadhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag at Republic Day celebrations in Indore on Wednesday. A grand ceremony was held in the city as the country celebrates its 73rd Republic Day. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chouhan said his government has so far built 28 lakh houses in rural areas and 5 lakh are being built in urban areas. He also spoke about the benefits being given to farmers under various schemes.
(ANI)
Indian Embassy In China Celebrates 73rd Republic Day
Watch: Stunning R-Day Parade Flypast, Recorded In-Flight Video Is A FirstIn the largest ever aerial display in the country, 75 aircraft flew past the Rajpath in Delhi to celebrate the 75th year of India's independence. The Indian Air Force, for the first time, has coordinated with public broadcaster Doordarshan to show recorded in-flight videos. Stunning bird's eye visuals of the formations and the aircraft flying above the clouds were telecast today. Large screens at the parade venue also showed the visuals live. Five recently acquired Rafale jets also participated in the display.
Vintage, as well as modern jets and helicopters like the Indian Navy's MiG29K, P-8I surveillance aircraft, Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota, displayed various formations, including Vinaash, Tangail, Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Rudra, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit. Aircraft from the army, navy and air force participated in the majestic display.
President Kovind Posthumously Awards Ashok Chakra To J&K Police ASI Babu RamPresident Ramnath Kovind on Wednesday posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra to Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram of the Jammu and Kashmir Police at the Republic Day parade.
Babu Ram's widow Rina Rani and son Manik received the award from President Kovind.
ASI Babu Ram killed three terrorists during an operation in Srinagar on August 29, 2020. He displayed valour and exemplary raw courage in engaging and eliminating terrorists and died for the country.