Celebrate 75 glorious years of Republic, salute all great women and men: PM Modi | Morung Express

New Delhi, January 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day.

In an article on X, he prayed that this occasion would strengthen our efforts to preserve the ideals of our Constitution.

“Happy Republic Day. Today, we celebrate 75 glorious years of our Republic. We bow to all the great women and men who framed our Constitution and ensured that our journey was rooted in democracy, dignity and unity May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the ideals of our Constitution and towards a stronger and prosperous India,” the Prime Minister said.

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in the national capital.

With special focus on 75 years of promulgation of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, this year's celebrations will be a unique blend of the rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess of India, according to a government press release.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, will be the guest of honor.

Around 10,000 special guests were invited to attend the parade, in line with the government's aim of involving Jan Bhagidari in events of national importance. These guests from different backgrounds are the architects of Swarnim Bharat. They include top performers in various areas and those who have made the best use of government projects.

The parade “The Republic Day Parade” will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will last for approximately 15 hours. 90 minutes. The ceremony will begin with Prime Minister Modi's visit to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will proceed to the saluting dais of Kartavya Path to watch the parade.

The arrival of the Indian President and his Indonesian counterpart will be escorted by the President's Bodyguards, the highest regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents will arrive in a Traditional Buggy, a practice which made a comeback in 2024 after a 40-year interval.

In keeping with tradition, the national flag will be unfurled, followed by the national anthem accompanied by a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105mm light cannons, an indigenous weapons system. The parade will be heralded by 300 cultural artists playing Sare Jahan Se Achha with musical instruments from different parts of the country. This indigenous blend of instruments would resonate with the melody, beats and hopes of the hearts of a billion Indians. Instrument set includes Shehnai, Sundari, Nadaswaram, Been, Mashak Been, Ransingha – Rajasthan, Flute, Karadi Majalu, Mohuri, Sankha, Tutari, Dhol, Gong, Nishan, Chang, Tasha, Sambal, Chenda, Idakka, Lezim , Thavil. , Gudum Baza, Talam and Monbah.

Spraying of flower petals will be carried out by Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129th helicopter unit of the Dhwaj formation.

Flying the national flag, this helicopter formation will be led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat. The parade will then begin with the President's salute. The parade will be commanded by the parade commander, Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding Delhi Region, a second generation officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, Delhi Regional Headquarters, will be the second-in-command of the parade.

The proud winners of the highest bravery awards will follow. They include Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd.) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd.), as well as Ashok Chakra awardee Lt. Col. Jas Ram Singh (retired). The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy, while the Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of bravery and self-sacrifice, but, other than in the face of the enemy. .

A parade by the Indonesian National Armed Forces Marching Contingent and the Indonesian Military Academy Military Band will also be a highlight of the celebrations. The marching contingent will be made up of 152 members, including 190 members in the military band.