Nation celebrates 72nd Republic Day today, to showcase its military might and cultural diversity at Rajpath

Nation celebrates its 72nd Republic Day today. The main function will be held at Rajpath in the National Capital where President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salute of the parade.

The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. The National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute.

This time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade route has been shortened. The parade will begin from Vijay Chowk, as usual, but will culminate at the National Stadium instead of ending at the Red Fort.

Only around 25 thousand spectators will be allowed to witness the parade as compared to the average of 1.15 lakh people every year. Children below 15 years and the elderly with comorbidities will not be permitted. This year, there will be no Chief Guest from Foreign countries due to the pandemic. The event will be held following all necessary Covid -19 preventive protocols.

India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath. Thirty-two tableaux, 17 from States and Union Territories, nine from various Ministries or Departments and Paramilitary Forces and six from the Ministry of Defence will roll down the Rajpath.

Some of the highlights of the tableaux are Vision For Carbon neutral Ladakh, Sun Temple of Modhera, Gujarat, Tea-tribes of Assam, Splendorous Sounds of Chhattisgarh’s Folk Music, Coir of Kerala, Digital Bharat, Four Labour Codes, Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, New India: ‘Vocal for Local’, CRPF and BRO.

School children will perform Bajasal Dance of Odisha, Tamil Nadu Folk Dance, and theme dances on Hum Fit Toh India Fit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Indigenously-developed Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II, Brahmos Weapon System, Pinaka Bridge Laying tanks T-72, Samvijay Electronic Warfare System will be the main attraction in the mechanised columns.

Naval Tableau titled Swarnim Vijay Varsh will showcase the Indian Navy’s attack on Karachi harbour in 1971. The Air Force tableau will showcase scaled down models of Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Su-30, MK-I aircraft and Rohini radar.

The 122-member proud contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force will lead the contingent march on the Rajpath. The grand event will culminate with Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900- kilometre per hour carrying out a Vertical Charlie.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Republic Day. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has also greeted citizens on the occasion.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has greeted people of India on the occasion of Republic Day. In a video message, he said the UK and India are working side by side to free humanity from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Johnson was due to be in New Delhi as the chief guest at the republic day parade but had to call off the visit following the outbreak of a new deadlier variant of coronavirus in the UK. In his message, the UK PM reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. Mr Johnson said, two countries are working side by side to develop, produce and distribute vaccines that will help to free humanity from the pandemic. He said, because of the combined efforts of Britain, India and many other nations, we are on the road to success against COVID.

Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions for smooth conduct of the Republic Day Parade. The parade will start at 9:50 AM from Vijay Chowk and proceed to National Stadium, whereas Tableaux will start from Vijay Chowk and proceed to Red Fort Ground.

Delhi Traffic Police has said that no traffic will be allowed on Vijay Chowk till the parade is over. No cross traffic will be allowed on Rajpath intersections at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road till the parade is over. ‘C’-Hexagon-India Gate will also be closed for traffic till Tableaux crosses Tilak Marg.

Traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Subhash Marg will not be allowed in both carriageways. Road users have been advised to plan their journey in advance and avoid the route of Parade and Tableaux till 12.30 PM for their own convenience.