Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day. This national festival, symbolising India’s pride and honour, should infuse new energy and enthusiasm, strengthening the resolve for Viksit Bharat.”
Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, marking India’s transformation into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The day holds immense historical significance as it represents the culmination of India’s long struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the grand Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi today. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, are attending the event as Chief Guests. Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated to showcase India’s remarkable journey.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the celebrations will present a unique blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, India’s unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, rich cultural diversity and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.
The ceremony will commence at 10:30 am and last for approximately 90 minutes. It will begin with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying tributes to fallen heroes by laying a wreath. He will then proceed, along with other dignitaries, to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
The arrival of the President of India, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission in the traditional buggy will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army. As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns. The salute will be presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
A total of 30 tableaux—17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various Ministries, Departments and Services—will roll down Kartavya Path under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The tableaux will showcase a blend of the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress driven by growing self-reliance across sectors and its vibrant cultural diversity. (Agencies)
