Page 2 - Republic Day

BJP leaders 'dwellers of hell' who did nothing for independence: Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday called the BJP leaders as the "dwellers of hell" who did nothing for the independence or to uplift the economy and the society. In a scathing attack on the Centre, especially Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged insulting remarks on the architect of Indian constitution B R Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha recently, Kharge said the BJP government was dumping all the constitutional values. Addressing Congress workers after unfurling the Indian tricolour at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office, Kharge said Congress made India as an independent country and is striving for its unity. "But the painful matter is that recently our important leaders, especially the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, insulted the Constitution. Amit Shah passed nasty comments on the architect of the Indian constitution," the Octogenarian leader said. Recalling Shah's statement, Kharge said, "I was in the parliament. In the Rajya Sabha he (Shah) said,

Rafale's victory roll, Sukhoi-30's 'Trishul' steal show at R-Day flypast

A stunning victory roll by low-flying Rafale aircraft left viewers gathered on either side of the Kartavya Path spellbound as the 76th Republic Day Parade came to a memorable end on Sunday. The daring aerial acrobatics by three Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft that came roaring over Kartavya Path at 900 kmph before pulling apart in a Trishul formation just above the India Gate also left the large crowd speechless. President Droupadi Murmu, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a host of dignitaries and a large crowd gathered for the celebrations were seen applauding the daredevilry of the air warriors. As the three fighter jets appeared to cross the India Gate, they pulled up, with one rising straight up and two other aircraft tearing away on either side, resembling a Trishul or Trident -- Lord Shiva's weapon for the destruction of evil. The final act of the parade was the victory roll by the Rafale aircraft which approached the dias flying at an altitude o

Around 10,000 special guests attend R-Day parade including ASHA workers

Village sarpanches, disaster relief workers, ASHA workers and Paralympic athletes were among around 10,000 special guests who attended the Republic Day parade here at Kartavya Path on Sunday. The invitation was sent to the special guests from diverse fields in line with the government's objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' in events of national importance. These included people who made the best use of government schemes. Sarpanches whose villages achieved targets in selected government initiatives were invited. A national-level competition was announced by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances among panchayats. Sarpanches, under whom targets in at least six flagship schemes were achieved, were selected as special guests. Over 500 of them from top-performing villages were among the special guests. Around 300 disaster relief workers, 300 guests from vibrant villages, 400 water warriors, 200 representatives from Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies, 400

Tableau like Lakhpati Didi highlights India's progress at R-Day parade

Tableaux from various states, union territories and Central Ministries, rolled down the Kartavya Path, mesmerising the audience with their designs, decorations, and themes

5,000 artists, 45 dance forms: Performances cover Kartavya Path on R-Day

Over 5000 folk and tribal artists performed 45 dance forms from different parts of the country during the 76th Republic Day, with the performers covering the entire Kartavya Path -- for the first time -- to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience. The 11-minute cultural performance titled Jayati Jaya Mama? Bharatam was curated by Sangeet Natak Academy. The choreographed artistic presentation was brought alive through the rich and colourful legacy of tribal and folk forms of the country as a tribute to the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The choreography celebrated the themes of 'Viksit Bharat', 'Virasat bhi Vikas bhi', and 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The lyrics for 'Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam' presentation were written by Subhash Sehgal and the music was composed by Shankar Mahadevan. The 5,000 folk and tribal artists brought their dance forms to life with their own original and authentic costumes, jewellery, headgear, and traditional props like ..

Republic Day 2025: Best wishes, messages and quotes to share on this day

On January 26, 2025, India will commemorate its 76th Republic Day. The day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, which made the nation an independent democratic republic

India's military prowess takes centre stage at 76th Republic Day parade

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday with a grand display of its military might that included elite marching contingents, missiles and various indigenous weapon systems, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the occasion as the chief guest. In a first, a tri-services tableau, depicting the broader spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces, rolled down Kartavya Path, the centrepiece boulevard of the national capital. It displayed a battlefield scenario, demonstrating a synchronised operation in land, water and air with the indigenous Arjun battle tank, Tejas fighter aircraft and advanced light helicopter. The theme of the tri-services tableau was "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (strong and secure India). The parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she and Subianto, flanked by the Indian president's bodyguards, arrived at Kartavya Path in a "traditional buggy". Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath .

Lakhpati Didi scheme at R-Day parade showcases women entrepreneurship

The Rural Development Ministry's tableau at the Republic Day parade paid tribute to the Lakhpati Didi scheme, which aims to ensure a minimum income of Rs 1 lakh to members of Self Help Groups, at the Kartavya Path, showcasing women's economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. A towering symbolic statue of a Lakhpati Didi holding a bundle of money symbolising her financial self- sufficiency featured at the front of the tableau. Scenes of women engaging in different economic activities, such as weaving, handicrafts and agriculture, was displayed, celebrating their entrepreneurship. Girls holding books and women using computers was also depicted, symbolising their journey toward self-reliance through skill development and adaptation to modern technology. Motifs related to rural India, such as pottery, local crafts and flora, were part of the tableau, making it visually rooted in the Indian countryside. According to the Rural Development Ministry, over 1.15 crore women SHG members

Andhra to unveil 'Demographic Management' policy to tackle effects: Guv

Andhra Pradesh will come out with a policy on 'demographic management' to address the cascading effects of shrinking workforce, aging population, and changing family dynamics, Governor S Abdul Nazeer said on Sunday. After unfurling the national flag on the occasion of the Republic Day at Vijayawada, Nazeer said the state is undergoing significant demographic transitions which include a steep decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR), a rapidly aging population, and the erosion of traditional joint family systems, each with far-reaching implications. "The Government is committed to handle the cascading effects of a shrinking workforce, aging population, and changing family dynamics by launching a policy on 'demographic management' to address the cascading effects of shrinking workforce, aging population, and changing family dynamics," he said. Several countries are facing a deleterious impact of declining TFR, and the state government is committed to overcome this crisis, by engagin

Indonesian President hails PM Modi's leadership: 'Inspiration for us'

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who arrived in Delhi to grace the 76th Republic Day celebrations, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership 'inspirational'

Navy's R-Day tableau showcases 3 newly commissioned frontline combatants

The Indian Navy's tableau at the 76th Republic Day parade showcased its three newly commissioned frontline combatants -- warships INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, and submarine INS Vaghsheer. The three platforms commissioned in Mumbai on January 15, symbolises India's naval prowess and the spirit of 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance). A mixed marching contingent and a band from the Navy participated in the ceremonial parade. The average age of the members in the contingent is 25 years. These personnel have been carefully handpicked from all branches of the Indian Navy and have undergone specialised training of over two months for the event, officials earlier said. The commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realising India's vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security, the Defence Ministry had said earlier. INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the larges

R-Day: Murmu, Indonesian counterpart arrive at Kartavya Path in buggy

President Droupadi Murmu and her Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto arrived at Kartavya Path for the 76th Republic Day parade on Sunday in a traditional buggy, a practice that made a comeback after a 40-year gap last year. They were escorted by the President's Bodyguard -- "Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak". The President's Bodyguard is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army. The gold-plated, horse-drawn buggy is a black carriage with the national emblem embossed on it in gold. The buggy, drawn by a mixed breed of Indian and Austrian horses, also features gold-plated rims. The presidential buggy had been used for Republic Day functions till 1984 but was discontinued after the assassination of the then-prime minister Indira Gandhi. The buggy was last used by Giani Zail Singh in 1984 before being discontinued due to security reasons. The presidents then began using limousines for travel. In 2014, then-president Pranab Mukherjee used it again for the beating retreat ceremony. His

Respect differences, live in harmony: Mohan Bhagwat at R-Day celebrations

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said differences should be respected and cohesion is the key to living in harmony. He was speaking after unfurling the national flag at the Republic Day celebration at a college in Bhiwandi town of Maharashtra's Thane district. Along with celebration, Republic Day is an occasion to "remember our responsibilities towards the nation," he said. Addressing the issue of diversity, Bhagwat said differences should be respected and that "cohesion is the key to living in harmony". "Clashes are happening outside Bharat due to diversity. We see diversity as a natural part of life. You can have your own specialities, but you must be good to each other. If you want to live, it should be a cohesive living. You cannot be happy if your family is unhappy. Similarly, a family cannot be happy if the town is facing trouble," he said. Bhagwat emphasised the importance of working with both knowledge and dedication. "Being enterprising is

India's first Republic Day celebrations were held at Irwin amphitheatre

Huge tri-colour-themed banners have been put up along the Kartavya Path while the theme for this year's tableaux that would roll down the boulevard where the annual Republic Day celebrations take place is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', focusing on 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution. However, the maiden celebrations marking the birth of the Republic of India were not held on Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), the historical avenue that has over time become synonymous with the ceremony. It was held in the 1930s-era Irwin Amphitheatre after the country got its first president. Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. And 75 years later, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at this year's ceremonial parade which will also see the participation of a marching contingent and a band contingent from that country. Iconic public buildings, parks and railway stations dazzled with lights

We join them in recognising enduring significance: US wishes India on R-Day

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a statement, said the India-US relationship continues to reach new heights and will be the defining relationship of the 21st century

India, Indonesia sign MOUs on health, renew one on maritime security

A Cultural Exchange Program was also signed between the Union Ministry of Culture and Indonesia's Ministry of Culture

R-Day 2025: 93 armed forces personnel to receive Gallantry Awards today

President also approved 58 Mentioned-in-Despatches to the Armed Forces personnel, including four posthumous medals

Business tycoon Osamu Suzuki honoured with Padma Vibhushan posthumously

Late Japanese industrialist Osamu Suzuki, the former chief of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has been honoured with India's second highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Suzuki, who took a risk and bet on India when no one else believed in having a viable automobile company in India, has been awarded the 'Padma Vibhushan' for the year 2025 "for exceptional and distinguished service" in the field of trade and industry. He died last year at the age of 94. In 1981, Suzuki took the risk of partnering with the then Indian government to form a joint venture Maruti Udyog Ltd, at a time when India was still a closed economy under license regime. He is widely regarded as the man who spurred the automotive industry in the country. Maruti Udyog Ltd later on became Maruti Suzuki India Ltd subsequent to the government completing its exit in 2007 with Suzuki Motor Corporation holding majority stake. Osamu Suzuki was Director and Honorary Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. A man who ..

Ex-CJI Khehar, Osamu Suzuki, R Ashwin in list of Padma awardees 2024

Former Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, late Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki and folk singer late Sharda Sinha and former cricketer are among 139 eminent people given Padma awards on the eve of the 76th Republic Day on Saturday. The set of civilian awards announced includes seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri decorations. "Twenty-three of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of foreigners, NRI, PIO, OCI and 13 posthumous awardees," the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement. Former CJI Justice (retd) Jagdish Singh Khehar has been given the Padma Vibhushan, while Suzuki chief Osamu Suzuki, folk singer Sharda Sinha and M T Vasudevan Nair earned the honour posthumously. Dinamalar publisher Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer has been awarded Padma Shri for literature, education and journalism. Former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi, economist Bibek Debroy, gazal singer Pankaj Udhas have been given Padma Bhushan .

In R-Day eve address to nation, Murmu bats for 'One Nation, One Election'

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday advocated for the "One Nation One Election" initiative, asserting it has the potential to redefine "good governance" in the country by promoting consistency in governance, preventing policy paralysis, mitigating resource diversion, and alleviating financial burdens on the state. In her address to the nation ahead of the 76th Republic Day, she emphasised the government's ongoing efforts to "eliminate remnants of a colonial mindset that have lingered in the country for decades" and cited the replacement of the British-era criminal laws with three new modern laws. "We have been witnessing concerted efforts to change that mindset... Reforms of such magnitude require an audacity of vision," she said. Highlighting the significance of the proposed bill aimed at synchronising election schedules across the country, Murmu noted, "The 'One Nation One Election' plan can offer numerous benefits, including enhanced governance and reduced financial strain." In