New Delhi, January 26: As Republic Day celebrations began in the national capital on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at historic India Gate. He was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
The wreath-laying ceremony marked the formal commencement of Republic Day celebrations and served as a tribute to the armed forces personnel who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
An Inter-Services Guard, comprising 21 inner guards—seven from each of the three Services—and six buglers, two from each Service, was present at the ceremony. The Indian Air Force inner guard included one Sergeant and six Corporals and below ranks.
With the Indian Air Force as the lead Service, the Guard of Honour was commanded by Squadron Leader Hemant Singh Kanyal, reflecting the joint ethos of the Indian Armed Forces.
Following the wreath-laying, the Guard Commander ordered the Salami Shastra, followed by the Shok Shastra. The solemn notes of the ‘Last Post’ echoed through the precincts as officers in uniform rendered a salute, while others stood in attention to pay their respects.
A two-minute silence was observed in honour of the bravehearts. At the conclusion of the silence, the buglers sounded the ‘Rouse’. The Guard Commander then ordered the Salami Shastra once again, formally concluding the ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi, along with other dignitaries, thereafter proceeded to the saluting dais to continue with the Republic Day celebrations.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to a ‘Viksit Bharat’. In a post on X, he 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 freedom struggle 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 later today. (Agencies)
