Republic Day 2024 Celebrations: Highlights and Anticipated Attractions

Republic Day 2024 is just around the corner, and the nation is gearing up for a spectacular celebration. The much-anticipated parade is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 am on January 26, with Rajpath in Delhi serving as the focal point for the festivities. Adding to the grandeur, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the chief guest, making his visit even more special as he explores prominent landmarks across India. The parade itself promises to be a visual extravaganza, showcasing the prowess of the Indian army, navy, air force, police, and paramilitary groups. Stay tuned for a day filled with patriotic fervor and impressive displays at Republic Day 2024.

Republic Day 2024 Parade Details and French President’s Itinerary

Get ready for the Republic Day 2024 parade, starting at 10:30 am on January 26, tracing a route from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path. The venue, accommodating around 77,000 attendees, reserves 42,000 spots for the general public.

This year’s chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations is French President Emmanuel Macron. His schedule kicks off with an arrival at Jaipur airport on January 25. Macron’s visit includes explorations of iconic landmarks like Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. While in Jaipur, he is slated to have a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stay tuned for an exciting blend of festivities and diplomatic engagements.

On the evening of the same day, the French President will journey to Delhi. On January 26, he is scheduled to be the Chief Guest, witnessing the Republic Day Parade. Post-parade, he will join the ‘At Home’ Reception hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Top Highlights and Special Features for Republic Day 2024

Historic Inclusion: All-Women Tri-Services Group Joins the Parade

In a groundbreaking move, Major General Sumit Mehta announced on January 22 that, for the first time, an all-women tri-services group will be a part of the Republic Day Parade. This exceptional group includes women troops from the Army’s military police and personnel from the other two services, marking a historic moment in the parade’s history, as reported by ANI.

This groundbreaking contingent will feature women troops from the Army’s military police alongside women from the other two services. Confirming this significant inclusion, Major General Sumit Mehta announced the participation of two out of the three living Param Vir Chakra awardees, Hony Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, in the Republic Day parade.

Dual Parade Prestige

Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav Joins Republic Day After Bastille Day Recognition

Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, an air traffic controller in the Indian Air Force and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is set to participate in the Republic Day parade this year. Her notable presence extends from last July when she marched in the Bastille Day parade in Paris, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi served as the chief guest.

Reflecting on her unique experiences, Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav expressed pride in saluting the Prime Minister on foreign soil during the Bastille Day parade. She now anticipates an even greater honor as she prepares to salute the Supreme Commander with the French President in attendance on Republic Day. Acknowledging the rarity of such opportunities, she considers herself fortunate to partake in these momentous occasions.

French Delegation in Republic Day Parade

French President Emmanuel Macron, the esteemed Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations, marks the sixth French leader to grace this prestigious annual event. Joining the grand spectacle are a 95-member marching contingent, a 33-member band contingent, two Rafale fighters, and an Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft, all hailing from France.

Captain Louis, a member of the Corps of the French Foreign Legion, emphasized the pivotal role played by the French Foreign Legion, established in 1831 and consisting of nearly 9,500 officers and legionnaires from around 140 nationalities. Lieutenant Romain Bression highlighted that the participation of the French team underscores the growing defense cooperation between India and France.

Indians Marching with French Military in Republic Day Parade: A Historic Collaboration

Confirming the collaboration, officials informed PTI that six Indians are set to join the French military team during the 75th Republic Day parade. Captain Noel Louis, the commander of the French marching contingent, announced the participation of CCH Sujan Pathak, CPL Dipak Arya, CPL Parbin Tandan, Gurvachan Singh, Aniket Ghartimagar, and Vikas Djeassegar in the French team, marking a historic moment of unity in the parade.

Saree Spectacle at Republic Day Parade: ‘Anant Sutra’ Exhibition by Culture Ministry

An exciting feature of this year’s Republic Day Parade is the Culture Ministry’s grand display of sarees from diverse Indian states and union territories in the ‘Anant Sutra’ exhibition, as reported by ANI.

The textile installation, titled ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread,’ will be showcased at Kartavya Path, positioned behind the seated spectators. This installation promises to present approximately 1,900 sarees and drapes from all corners of India, creatively mounted on wooden frames along the Kartavya Path. Adding an interactive element, each saree will feature QR codes, allowing attendees to scan and delve into details about the weaving and embroidery techniques employed in these exquisite pieces.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Amita Prasad Sarbhai, mentioned that the display features a 150-year-old saree, offering a tribute to the women and weavers of India.

Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage in Republic Day Parade

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology will present a tableau this year, highlighting the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. The tableau is designed to depict AI in action, featuring a scene where a teacher utilizes a VR headset to educate children. Furthermore, the display will underscore the significance of AI in logistics and cattle management.

JL Gupta, Director of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, provided insights to ANI, stating, ‘The tableau for this year centers on AI-based technology and its public benefits. The presentation also highlights the positive impact of AI in the health sector. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for electronic manufacturing, the display prominently features semiconductor chips.

Highlight on ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3

The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) tableau will take center stage at the upcoming Republic Day Parade, spotlighting the accomplishments of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, as per ANI. The tableau will prominently depict the launch and successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, with a particular emphasis on its touchdown at the South Pole of the moon.

French Touch in the Sky

The flypast will feature the presence of a French refuel aircraft and two French Rafale aircraft soaring through the skies

The flypast is set to display state-of-the-art vehicles, including Terrain Vehicles, Light Specialist Vehicles, and Special Mobility Vehicles. Prominent aircraft such as ALH Dhruv Rudra and LCH Prachand will be part of the spectacle. The Indian Air Force’s impressive flypast comprises 51 planes, encompassing fighters, helicopters, and transport aircraft, with a noteworthy inclusion of 15 women aviators.

Invitations Extended to Distinguished Guests

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, during a press conference in New Delhi on January 19, revealed that around 13,000 distinguished guests, encompassing top achievers in diverse fields and beneficiaries of government initiatives, have received invitations to witness the parade. Underscoring the government’s commitment to Jan Bhagidari, he quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that these guests symbolize the nation’s pride.

The special invitees consist of individuals who have excelled in various government initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Street Vendor’s Aatmanirbhar Nidhi, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and Stand-Up India scheme.

Moreover, participants consist of Sarpanches representing Vibrant Villages, women actively engaged in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, professionals from the electronic manufacturing sector, contributors to the Central Vista Project, women space scientists associated with ISRO, yoga instructors affiliated with Ayushman Bharat, champions of international sports events, Paralympic medalists, exceptional Self-Help Groups, Farmers Producer Organisations, individuals taking part in the PM Mann ki Baat program, and those acknowledged in the ‘Super-100’ of Project Veer Gatha 3.0, along with winners of the National School Band Competition.

There is a particular focus on incorporating Vibrant Villages into the list of Special Guests, acknowledging their resilient livelihoods and affording them the opportunity to partake in the Republic Day celebrations.

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