‘ATMANIRBHAR’ BHARAT TO WITNESS MANY ‘FIRSTS’!

In India, the Republic Day and Independence Day are the two most significant national holidays. Across the nation, people celebrate the day with fervour and patriotism. This Republic Day parade will be a unique spectacle. The ceremonial boulevard Rajpath’s new name, Kartavya Path, will see the first appearance of tanks, weapons, and soldiers.

32,000 E-TICKETS
This year, Central Vista Avenue will host the 74th Republic Day festivities. According to defence ministry officials, the Central government has made 32,000 tickets available for online purchase by the general public. According to the news agency, they stated that all official invitations for the ceremonial event will be sent online for the first time.

MAKE IN INDIA WEAPONS
In an effort by the government to move away from the remnants of the colonial era, the 21- gun salute given to the President prior to the start of the parade will be fired for the first time by Indian guns rather than British guns.

This year, as the government pushes its Make in India initiative, 105 mm Indian field guns will replace the vintage artillery with 25-pounder guns that typically fires the thunderous ceremonial 21-Gun Salute during the Republic Day celebrations. Along with the IL-38 planes, the Kartavya Path will see the debut of formations like “Bheem” and “Vajrang.”

“DAREDEVILS” MOTORCYCLISTS
Another highlight of this year’s Republic Day is a group of “Daredevils” motorcyclists from the Corps of Signals who will participate in the parade under the co-command of a female officer. Women will join the BSF Camel Contingent for the first time.

EGYPTIAN ARMY MILITARY CONTINGENT
An Egyptian Army military contingent will participate in the Republic Day parade in India. 144 members of the Egyptian military contingent will march in the parade. “This is for the first time that the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt has been invited as Chief Guest on our Republic Day. A military contingent from the Egyptian Army will also participate in the Republic Day parade,” the MEA said in an official statement on Monday.

PARAM VIR CHAKRA RECIPIENTS
Six Marching Contingents, nine Mechanized Columns, Mounted Columns of the 61 Cavalry, and a fly-past by Army Aviation helicopters will serve as the Indian Army’s representatives. This year’s Parade will also feature three recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and three recipients of the Ashok Chakra.

3-D ANAMORPHIC PROJECTION
For the first time, a 3-D anamorphic projection will be organised during Beating Retreat Ceremony 2023 on the façade of North and South Block.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

MONI SHARMA The writer is Editor (News) in First India, Jaipur