NEW DELHI: India celebrated its 71st Republic Day today with a 90-minute display of military might, cultural diversity and socio-economic progress.Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was the Chief Guest.This was the third time that a Brazilian President was the chief guest at the Republic Day.
The ceremony started with PM Modi, in a first, visiting the National War Memorial instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, where he paid tributes to soldiers who died fighting for the country.
Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Weapon- Mission Shakthi, developed by the DRDO, was also showcased at the Rajpath during the celebration of 71st Republic Day.
Indigenously-developed Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army and Dhanush Gun System was one of the main attractions of the Republic Day parade today. The ‘Dhanush’ gun system was also showcased for the first time.
The first time, an all-woman bikers contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) displayed daredevils acts during the parade.The first time, heavy-lift helicopter Chinook and attack helicopter Apache also participated in the Republic Day.
The importance of the Republic Day and Independence Day, no doubt, bring a sense of joy, pride and contentment among us. However, we can’t claim that we have achieved everything as an independent nation. It is a bitter fact that we could not give a prosperous life to every citizen of this country.
Still, millions of people go hungry without proper food, shelter and drinking water every day. Another great number of youths are unemployed. Crime against children and women are rampant. We could not erase corruption from our daily and public lives.But, we hope that we will do better in coming days to come.
As a matured citizen of this country, we should make our politicians and bureaucrats accountable for their every action. We can’t say and brush aside the things so easily. We are also responsible for what we have achieved and failed as a great nation.
The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic.
26 January was chosen to be observed as the Republic day because it was on this day in 1930 when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj or Indian independence from the British regime. Also, India has the longest written Constitution in the world, with 448 articles in 22 Parts, 12 Schedules and 97 Amendments.
In the Capital, the grand and colourful Republic Day parade is something that a lot of people gathered at the India Gate and Rajpath looks forward to seeing. The rich culture and heritage of India is celebrated along with the unity in its beautiful diversity.
Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 with the Parade on Rajpath, the celebrations are spread over three days and ends with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29.India celebrates its 69th Republic Day with a parade at Rajpath showcasing its full military might and cultural diversity.
