The Republic, in full flight

Women power takes centre stage as India showcases military might and cultural diversity on Delhi's iconic Kartavya Path

- Rahul Singh

Women stole the limelight at the 75th Republic Day parade, with ample representation in every element of India's biggest ceremonial event: in the flypast, in mechanised columns, in marching contingents, in bands, and in the cultural extravaganza. Tens of thousands of spectators braved the cold and congregated around Kartavya Path to be a part of the celebrations centered around the theme of Nari Shakti, or woman power.

The national flag was unfurled on the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu by a woman officer, Major Saumya Shukla, amid the roar of a 21-gun salute presented the ceremonial battery of the army's 871 Field Regiment. French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest.

Escorted by the President's Bodyguard (PBG), Murmu and Macron reached the venue in a horse-drawn buggy that returned to spotlight after decades.

"The 75th Republic Day Parade showcased the nation's extraordinary Nari Shakti as impressive march-pasts by women received standing ovation by the invitees. President Droupadi Murmu and the French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the Kartavya Path in the traditional which made a comeback buggy after 40 years," the Rashtrapati Bhavan posted on X.

The proceedings began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying tribute to India's fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. The memorial is a monument dedicated to soldiers who fell in postIndependence wars and operations and was inaugurated in 2019 to fill a key gap- until then, India did not have a memorial for its fallen heroes.

"Paid tributes at the Rashtriya Samar Smarak. We remember and honour those who selflessly defended our nation. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We bow to them in solemn respect and gratitude, vowing to uphold the ideals they stood for," Modi wrote on X.