India Celebrates 75th Republic Day with Spectacular Display of Military Might and Women Power

India marked its 75th Republic Day on Friday with a magnificent display of its military prowess and the strength of its women, showcasing a blend of tradition, innovation, and national pride. The grand parade, held at the iconic Kartavya Path in New Delhi, was graced by the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest, adding to the significance of the occasion.

Empowering Women:

• In a historic first, an all-women tri-services contingent led the parade, symbolizing India’s commitment to ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power).
• Over 100 women artistes playing traditional Indian musical instruments set the tone for the festivities, replacing the traditional military bands, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity.

Military Excellence:

• The parade, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, showcased India’s military might with elite marching contingents, mechanized columns, and a fly-past by advanced aircraft.
• Tank T-90 Bhishma, NAG missile systems, infantry combat vehicles, and other lethal weapon systems demonstrated India’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.

Women in Armed Forces:

• Besides the tri-services contingent, an all-women Armed Forces Medical Services contingent marched proudly, showcasing the dedication and capability of women in the military.
• The Indian Navy contingent, led by Lieutenant Prajwal M, depicted ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Sea Power Across the Oceans Through Indigenization’, underscoring women’s pivotal role in maritime security.

Innovations in Defence:

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tableau highlighted India’s advancements in defence technology, emphasizing women’s contributions in protecting the nation across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
• Cutting-edge systems like anti-tank guided missiles, anti-satellite missiles, and cyber security systems were on display, showcasing India’s prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing.

International Collaboration:

• The celebrations featured a 95-member contingent and a 30-member band from France, reaffirming the strong Indo-French partnership.
• French aircraft, including Rafale fighters and an Airbus A330, added to the spectacle, reflecting the deepening defence ties between the two nations.

Historic Flypast:

• The parade culminated in a breathtaking flypast by 46 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, featuring a diverse fleet of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
• Notably, an indigenous Tejas aircraft flew in formation for the first time, showcasing India’s achievements in aerospace technology.

The 75th Republic Day celebrations epitomized India’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and progress, showcasing the nation’s rich heritage and its vision for a brighter future.