Republic Day Parade 2024 Highlights: Grateful for French participation in celebrations, says PM Modi (2024)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was "grateful for the French participation in our Republic Day celebrations" on Tuesday.

He added, "The military band, marching contingent, jets and Multirole Aircraft Tanker contributed to the parade being a memorable one."

French President Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in the country on January 25, was the chief guest of the parade. Notably, a French military contingent also participated.

Grateful for the French participation in our Republic Day celebrations. The military band, marching contingent, jets and Multirole Aircraft Tanker contributed to the parade being a memorable one. https://t.co/T35F635wuF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2024

This year’s Republic Day parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments, as per an official statement. Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada were among the instruments used by the artists. The musical instruments replaced the traditional military bands that are normally used to kickstart the celebrations.

Clad in red sarees and golden blouses, with turbans in the colour of the Indian national flag, the band of 112 women artists played a variety of folk and tribal percussion instruments. As per an ANI report, 20 artists played Dhol and Tasha of Maharashtra, 16 artists played Dappu of Telangana, 16 artists gave beat on Dhak and Dhol of West Bengal, 8 artists from West Bengal blew conch shells, 10 artists have Chenda in their hands, 30 artists played Dholu Kunitha of Karnataka, and four artistes each handled Nadaswaram, Tutari, and Cymbals.

Eminent weaver Smriti Rekha Chakma and spiritual figure Chitta Ranjan Debbarma from Tripura were named for the Padma Shri award on Thursday evening.

Smriti Rekha Chakma, 63, is a loin-loom shawl weaver from the indigenous Chakma community and is known for using eco-friendly vegetable-dyed cotton threads in traditional designs.

Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, 62, heads the Shanti Kali ashram, which operates under the Shanti Kali Mission. The Mission runs a chain of 24 temples across the state. It is named after Acharya Shanti Kali, a religious preacher, who was shot dead by insurgents in 2000.

Read more about them here

Women riders from the Border Security Force (BSF) performed stunts at the Republic Day parade in Delhi today.

? Express photos by Praveen Khanna

Several Union ministries showcased their tasbleaus at the Republic Day parade held in Delhi on Friday.

Here a few glimpses, from Union ministries of Culture, External Affairs, Home, and Electronics and Information Technology.

? Express photos by Praveen Khanna

India and France have adopted a roadmap on defence industrial cooperation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the visiting French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday and Friday.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra underlined that the roadmap would identify opportunities in co-design, co-development and co-production in the defence industrial sector, and cover domains — air and space technology, maritime tech, underwater domain awareness, land warfare, robotics, artificial intelligence and cyber defence.

Shubhajit Roy reports

A French military contingent participated in the Republic Day parade on Friday.

?Express photos by Praveen Khanna

The Election Commission's tableau at the Republic Day parade today showcased India as the "Mother of Democracy", one of the themes today.

The tableau showcased the conduct of free, fair, inclusive, accessible and participative elections in the country. India is all set to hold the Lok Sabha elections this year.

In the back portion, the Election Commission's effort towards "No voter to be left behind" has been depicted.

?Express photo by Amit Mehra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron greeted each other at the Republic Day parade in Delhi on Friday.

Macron, who arrived in the country yesterday, was the chief guest of the parade. Notably, a French military contingent also participated in the parade.

? Express photos by Praveen Khanna

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to martyrs at the Rashtriya Samar Smarak in Delhi.

Taking to X, he wrote: "We remember and honour those who selflessly defended our nation. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We bow to them in solemn respect and gratitude, vowing to uphold the ideals they stood for."

Paid tributes at the Rashtriya Samar Smarak. We remember and honour those who selflessly defended our nation. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We bow to them in solemn respect and gratitude, vowing to uphold the ideals they stood for. pic.twitter.com/qLr7hz9J9s

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared visuals from the Republic Day parade, calling it a "spectacular parade showcasing India’s strength and diversity".

Here are glimpses from our vibrant Republic Day celebrations: a spectacular parade showcasing India’s strength and diversity. pic.twitter.com/iu9tCZ4gma

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2024

Paddy gene bank conservator Sathyanarayana Beleri, one of the unsung heroes who was conferred the Padma Shri award on Republic Day 2024, has been conserving 650-odd rice varieties since 2008.

A native of Belur village in Kerala’s Kasaragod, Sathyanarayana began his mission with 100 grams of a seed variety and kept gleaning seeds of various rice varieties, first from Kerala and then from across the country, to conserve the grains for posterity.

“The Padma award was unexpected. This recognition makes me more responsible. I would continue my mission and add more seeds to my collection,” said Sathyanarayana.

Find out more about his work here

This year, President Murmu and her French counterpart Macron arrived at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi in a ‘traditional buggy’.

The horse-drawn buggy had previously been used to bring the President from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Raj Path, but the tradition was discontinued about 40 years ago. Instead, a sedan had been used in previous years.

#WATCH | Delhi | President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron leave for the Kartavya Path, in a special presidential carriage.#RepublicDay2024 pic.twitter.com/gH1I6kjFUV

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Tribal welfare worker Somanna, and plastic surgeon Dr Prema Dhanraj are those from Karnataka who were selected by the Union government for Padma Shri awards, announced on January 25.

Who is Somanna?

Somanna, 66, hailing from Mysuru, has been selected under the social work category while Dhanraj, 72, known as ‘Agni Rakshak’, has been selected under the medicines (indigenous-burns) category.

Somanna has tirelessly worked for the uplift of Jenu Kuruba tribe for over four decades.Jenu Kuruba is a honey-collecting tribe from the Nilgiris with around 40,000 inhabitants.

Who is Dr Prema Dhanraj?

Dr Prema Dhanraj, hailing from Bengaluru, has dedicated her life for the care and rehabilitation of burn victims. The work of the plastic reconstructive surgeon extends beyond surgery, championing burn prevention, awareness and policy reform.

A survivor of 50 per cent burns at the age of eight (when a stove burst on her face while playing in the kitchen), she triumphed over personal tragedy to become a driving force of change. She underwent more than 14 surgeries as a child at Christian Medical College Vellore and went on to become a surgeon and HoD in the same hospital.

Read more about them here

French President Emannuel Macron, the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade, said his participating was "a big honour for France". A military contingent from France and several Rafale fighter jets were featured in this year's parade.

A great honor for France.
Thank you, India. pic.twitter.com/fXfp4hdCsb

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024

While the traditional horse-drawn buggy was once used to bring the president from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Raj Path, the tradition was discontinued about 40 years ago. This year, the tradition was reinstated! President Droupadi Murmu and French President Macron travelled onboard the buggy, instead of a fortified sedan, as had become the norm over the last few decades.

We also saw the first-ever all-women tri service contingent marching down Kartavya Path. The contingent was led by Captain Sandhya of Military Police, with three supernumerary officers Captain Sharanya Rao, Sub Lieutenant Anshu Yadav & Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Rao, and an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent, headed by Major Srishti Khullar with Captain Amba Samant of Army Dental Corps, Surgeon Lieutenant Kanchana of Indian Navy & Flight Lieutenant Dhivya Priya of Indian Air Force.

For the first time ever, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments.

Chhattisgarh

#WATCH | The #RepublicDay2024 tableau of Chhattisgarh takes part in the parade.

The tableau of the state reflects the democratic consciousness and traditional democratic values present in the tribal communities since ancient times. The tableau has been decorated with… pic.twitter.com/FucYDRiK8e

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Odisha

#WATCH | The #RepublicDay2024 tableau of Odisha takes part in the parade.

The tableau of the state depicts the achievements of women empowerment as well as the state's rich handicraft and handloom sector. pic.twitter.com/aH4LxHx8fz

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Manipur

#WATCH | Manipur showcases its 'Nari Shakti' with 'Ima Keithel', the 500-year-old market, one and only in the world run entirely by women#RepublicDay2024 pic.twitter.com/tTYJ1AYkiN

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Madhya Pradesh

#WATCH | The #RepublicDay2024 tableau of Madhya Pradesh takes part in the parade.

The tableau portrays the 'Self-reliant and progressive; women of the state. pic.twitter.com/2XoU9TDJdN

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Arunachal Pradesh

#WATCH | The tableau of Arunachal Pradesh on Kartavya Path depicts the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in the state pic.twitter.com/FfYjvcv3GF

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

After the military presentations, we are now seeing states display their cultural heritage and diversity. Tableaux of 16 States/Union Territories (UTs) will roll down the Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity and creativity. These are:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprises 144 airmen and four officers. Their tableau is based on the theme Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Aatmanirbhar’. The tableau depicts LCA Tejas and Su-30 flying over the IOR, and a C-295 transport aircraft being flown by women aircrew in the co*ckpit. The GSAT- 7A positioned on the tableau represents the IAF’s incorporation of space technology in its operations. The tableau shows that IAF has been at the forefront of rendering humanitarian aid, both within and across borders.

#WATCH | Indian Air Force tableau takes part in #RepublicDay2024 parade.

The tableau displays the theme 'Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar'. The tableau commanders are Flt Lt Ananya Sharma and Flying Officer Asma Shaikh. pic.twitter.com/2vM8gNjNEp

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

The first part of the tableau showcases the women in the Indian Navy in All Roles and in All Ranks across the Navy while the second depicts the very first indigenous Carrier Battle Group, comprising the Aircraft Carrier Vikrant, her highly capable escort ships Delhi, Kolkata and Shivalik, the Light Combat Aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter, the Kalvari Class Submarine and the GSAT-7, Rukmani Satellite.

#WATCH | Indian Navy tableau highlights the themes of 'Nari Shakti and 'Atmanirbharta', also shows the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and Navy ships Delhi, Kolkata and Shivalik and Kalavari Class Submarine pic.twitter.com/XDQqQjQb17

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

The parade began as usual with 'Aavahan' (invocation). Notably, for the first time ever, the parade is being heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The artists were playing instruments like the Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. Check it out:

#WATCH | Delhi | #RepublicDay2024 parade at Kartavya Path begins with 'Aavahan'.

For the first time ever, the parade is being heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade is commencing with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. being… pic.twitter.com/ypM5ixl2Cd

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

The Republic Day parade has commenced! At present, at least 17 states and UTs are presenting their tableaux depicting thier regional heritage at Kartavya Path.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi arrives at the National War Memorial to pay homage to those who laid down their lives in the service of the nation pic.twitter.com/owpFbuxyvh

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, took to Twitter to wish India.

In a first, the Republic Day parade will begin with 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram and Nagada, marking a shift from the past when this was done by military bands.

Another first in the parade is the participation of two French Rafale fighter jets and a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft in the flypast. A 95-member French marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent will also take part in the celebrations.

The parade will also see the first-ever participation of a 144 personnel tri-service women contingent with 48 personnel from each service. Additionally, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents will have all-women contingents, the defence secretary said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hoisted a flag at his official residence in Patna this morning. This comes amid talk of the Bihar CM possibly returning to the NDA fold due to an impasse over seat-sharing with the INDIA alliance.

#WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar unfurls the national flag at his residence in Patna, on #RepublicDay2024; also distributes sweets among the people there. pic.twitter.com/P13y6YDBYk

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

My dear friend @NarendraModi,
Indian people,

My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you.

Let’s celebrate! pic.twitter.com/e5kg1PEc0p

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 26, 2024

Macron arrived in Jaipur on Thursday, after which he visited some of the city’s iconic sites,took part in a roadshow with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and did some shopping.

In an address on the occasion of Republic Day, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said India is moving forward because of the strength of its people. "The strength of the people of India is infinite. When this strength rises, it does many miracles. Today, we are moving forward in every sector. We can achieve only when we are bound by a sense of brotherhood...In our country, there is a tradition of accepting diversity. The country will rise to greater heights when everyone works together with a sense of brotherhood and follows the Constitution," he said.

#WATCH | On 75th Republic Day, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says, "The strength of the people of India is infinite. When this strength rises, it does many miracles. Today, we are moving forward in every sector. We can achieve only when we are bound by a sense of brotherhood...In our… pic.twitter.com/yzp1GVfrrV

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Several political leaders across the country kicked off the day by paying homage to the country's fallen soldiers and hoisting national flags.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma unfurled the national flag at his residence. Take a look:

#WATCH | Jaipur: Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma unfurls the national flag at his residence on the occasion of Republic Day pic.twitter.com/dMjHQeYJLs

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat too hoisted a flag at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.

#WATCH | Maharashtra | RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat unfurls the national flag at RSS headquarters in Nagpur, on #RepublicDay2024 pic.twitter.com/W2ZmlYwOb5

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy laid a wreath to honour the fallen soldiers at Veerula Sainik Smarak, Army Parade Ground in Secunderabad.

#WATCH | Telangana CM Revanth Reddy lays a wreath at Veerula Sainik Smarak, Army Parade Ground in Secunderabad on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/IBMKy5oRfj

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2024

“Tomorrow is the day when we celebrate the commencement of the Constitution. Its Preamble begins with the words ‘We, the People of India’, highlighting the theme of the document, namely, democracy. In India, democratic system is much older than the concept of western democracy. That is the reason why India is called the ‘mother of democracy’,” she said.

The President also made a special mention of the birth anniversary of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, who has been awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously, calling him the “tireless champion of social justice”. “Karpoori ji was one of the greatest advocates of backward classes who dedicated his life for their welfare. His life was a message. I pay my tribute to Karpoori ji for enriching public life through his contributions,” she said. Read more.

Amidst the tableaux of various states and ministries that would participate in the Republic Day parade this year will be an exhibition of sarees, textiles and embroideries from around India. Titled ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’, the exhibition along the Kartavya Path on Friday will feature nearly 1,900 drapes mounted on woodenframes. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his wishes on the occasion of India's 75th Republic Day. Take a look:

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Best wishes on special occasion of the 75th Republic Day. Jai Hind!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2024

First female elephant mahout Parbati Baruah, tribal environmentalist Chami Murmu, social worker from Mizoram Sangthankima awarded Padma Shri.

Plastic surgeon working for burn victims Prema Dhanraj, international Mallakhamb coach Uday Vishwanath Deshpande awarded Padma Shri.

Developer of India's first Sickle Cell Anemia Control Program Yazdi Maneksha Italia awarded Padma Shri

Captain Anshuman Singh— a doctor, was posted with 26 Punjab as a medical officer in the Siachen Glacier area. On July 19, 2023, there was a fire incident in which he saw a fibreglass hut engulfed in fire after which he helped save 4-5 individuals. He went inside the medical investigation room which was also on fire to retrieve the critical medical aid box but could not make it out due to heavy fire amid strong winds. He has been awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously.

Havildar Abdul Majid of 9 Para Special Forces was operating as a squad commander in a search operation in forested areas of the Rajouri sector on November 22 last year. He first helped evacuate wounded Captain MV Pranjal of 63 RR. He then took position near a natural cave where terrorists were hiding. Despite being injured in the terrorist firing, he lobbed a grenade to force the hiding terrorist to come out. Sensing danger to his own team, he moved towards the terrorist, killed him and succumbed to his injuries later. He has been awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously.

Havildar Pawan Kumar of 55 Rashtriya Rifles Grenadiers was part of an operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 27, 2023, when during a room intervention exercise, he killed a terrorist and injured another in hand-to-hand combat while laying down his own life. He has been awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously for exceptional bravery.

Captain MV Pranjal 63 Rashtriya Rifles Corps of Signals, was leading a small surveillance team when he came across two terrorists who too saw him in Rajouri district. The officer sensed danger for the women and children present there and pushed them to safety as terrorists opened fire. He engaged the terrorists despite the minimum cover and maintained contact till the arrival of additional troops. He later succumbed to gunshot wounds. For saving the lives of civilians and sustained contact with terrorists which led to their elimination, he has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

Captain Anshuman Singh, Army Medical Corps, 26TH battalion Punjab Regiment, Havaldar Abdul Majid of 9 Para Special Forces unit and Sepoy Pawan Kumar of 55 Rashtriya Rifles (Grenadiers) awarded the second highest peacetime gallantry award - Kirti Chakra, posthumously.

Indian Army’s Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Central Army Commander Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal on Republic Day. Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command chief Air Marshal Vibhas Pande awarded PVSM.

Indian Navy’s Vice Chief Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal at this Republic Day. Indian Coast Guard Chief Director General Rakesh Pal awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, 21 Para Special Forces, Major Deependra Vikram Basnet, 4 Sikh and Havildar Pawan Yadav, 21 Mahar awarded the Kirti Chakra this year.

Towards the conclusion of her speech on the eve of the 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu said the period of Amrit Kaal is going to be that of "unprecedented technological changes".

"Technological advances like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning have moved from headlines into our daily lives at a breathtaking speed. There are numerous areas of concern in the foreseeable future, but there are also exciting opportunities ahead,
especially for the youth. They are exploring new frontiers. We need to do all we can to remove hurdles from their path and let them unleash their full potential. What they want is equality of opportunity. What they want is not the same old rhetoric of equality, but the realisation of our cherished ideal of equality," she said.

She ended her speech by thanking teachers, farmers, labourers, members of military and paramilitary forces, among others.

President Droupadi Murmu hailed India's sportspersons for a record-breaking tally of 107 medals at the Asian Games and 111 medals at Asian Para Games.

"We are glad to see that women are making very impressive contribution to our medal tally. Our sports-stars have inspired children to take up diverse sports and games, helping them boost their self-confidence. I am sure that our sportspersons, who are infused with this new confidence, will deliver an improved performance in the upcoming Paris Olympics," she said.

President Droupadi Murmu said the Women's Reservation Bill, passed by the Parliament in October last year, has led India to progress closer to the ideal of gender equality. She said it will prove to be a "revolutionary tool of women’s empowerment".

"When more women will be involved in the matters of collective importance, our administrative priorities will be more in tune with the needs of the masses," Murmu added.

The successful organising of the Group of 20 Summit in the capital, under India’s presidency, was an unprecedented achievement, President Droupadi Murmi said in her speech on the eve of Republic Day.

"What was all the more noteworthy was the way the people were involved in the G20 events. The magnificent event provided lessons for all in making citizens participants in strategic and diplomatic matters that are, in the final analysis, going to shape their own future. The G20 Summit also boosted India’s emergence as the voice of the Global South, adding a necessary element to the international discourse," she said.