New Delhi: On the 77th Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced the celebrations by paying homage to the brave soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Monday.
During the solemn ceremony, PM Modi laid a wreath at the memorial, leading the nation in honouring the courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The Inter-Services Guard of Honour, comprising one officer and 21 other guards from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, followed the traditions of ‘Salami Shastra’ and ‘Shok Shastra’ to mark the occasion with due respect.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi were also present at the event. Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth participated in the wreath-laying ceremony as well.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister shared his reflections in a digital notebook. Earlier in the day, he extended warm greetings to the people of India, expressing hope that the national festival would inspire new energy and enthusiasm among citizens and strengthen the collective resolve to build a developed India.
On the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Heartfelt Republic Day greetings to all countrymen. This great national festival, a symbol of India’s honour and pride, may it fill everyone’s life with renewed energy and enthusiasm. May the resolve for a developed India grow even stronger.”
Emphasising the significance of Republic Day, he added, “Republic Day is a strong symbol of our freedom, Constitution, and democratic values. This festival gives us fresh energy and inspiration to move forward united in the commitment of nation-building.”
This year’s Republic Day parade will have European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the chief guests.
Among the special guests watching the parade will be participants from PM Modi’s monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, including construction workers of Kartavya Bhavan, ‘Lakhpati Didi’, and nearly 10,000 others from diverse fields.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the guest list features individuals who have excelled in income and employment generation, top innovators, researchers, start-ups, self-help groups, and outstanding performers under key government initiatives.
The parade will showcase India’s military strength, including BrahMos and Akash missiles, and 30 spectacular tableaux reflecting the nation’s rich cultural diversity. Marking the first Republic Day parade since Operation Sindur last year, it will also feature advanced defence platforms and an impressive flypast by 29 aircraft.
Alongside the military display, 2,500 artists will perform vibrant cultural presentations celebrating ‘Vande Mataram’ and the spirit of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).