"Republic Day parade at New Delhi's Kartavya Path showcases the unity of all three branches of the Indian military."
(Shimla) Himachal Pradesh, Kumud Sharma, January 26:
Republic Day in India is celebrated with immense pride and patriotic fervor every year on January 26. This historic day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, when India officially became a republic. In 2025, India will commemorate its 76th Republic Day. The celebrations draw thousands to the heart of the nation’s capital, where a grand parade takes place, showcasing the country’s diverse cultural traditions and the might of its military forces. The event serves as a powerful reminder of India’s journey and achievements as a sovereign nation.
On January 26, the Indian Army will take center stage at the Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path, showcasing a strong emphasis on indigenization. The parade will feature a display of cutting-edge, Indian-made military equipment, reflecting the nation’s growing self-reliance and technological advancements in defense.
In line with previous Republic Day celebrations, this year’s parade will once again feature impressive displays of advanced defense technology. Among the key highlights will be the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Akash short-range surface-to-air missile system, and the Nag anti-tank guided missile, demonstrating India’s growing military prowess and technological innovation.
As reported by ThePrint, the Indian Army will also showcase the Pinaka rocket launcher during the Republic Day celebrations. Notably, India exported its first shipment of these systems to Armenia in November 2024. Additionally, the parade will feature the Russian-origin GRAD BM-21 rocket launcher, further highlighting the nation’s diverse military capabilities and international defense collaborations.
The Army’s cutting-edge battlefield surveillance system, which integrates data from various surveillance equipment for real-time battlefield awareness, will be featured at the Republic Day parade. Additionally, spectators can expect to see the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and the Advanced Light Helicopter-Weapon Systems Integrated (ALH-WSI), showcasing India’s advanced aerial capabilities and defense technology.
The Republic Day parade will also showcase a formidable lineup of Army tanks, including the T-90, BMP-2, and BMP-3. In addition to these armored vehicles, a variety of other military vehicles will be on display, such as the Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar, Light Specialist Vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles, Specialist Mobility Vehicles, and Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles, highlighting the versatility and strength of India’s defense forces.
The Republic Day procession will also feature a 10-meter short-span bridge, alongside displays of horses and motorcycles, adding to the grandeur of the event. Representing the unity of the armed forces, the parade will showcase all three military branches. The Indian Navy and Air Force will present their own spectacular tableaux, while a fleet of aircraft will soar above Kartavya Path, demonstrating the Air Force’s advanced capabilities and aerial precision.
This year, the Republic Day parade will be centered around the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, celebrating India’s rich heritage and its journey toward sustainable development and progress. The theme reflects the nation’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while embracing innovation for a brighter future.
In 2025, the Republic Day celebrations will feature 15 states and union territories, each presenting their own vibrant tableaux. These include Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, as well as states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Haryana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, showcasing the diversity and cultural richness of India’s regions.
In addition to the selected states and union territories featured on Kartavya Path, all other states and union territories will have the opportunity to showcase their tableaus at the iconic Red Fort from January 26 to January 31, 2025. This initiative ensures that every region’s unique culture and achievements are celebrated during the Republic Day festivities.
On Republic Day, the President of India recognizes extraordinary civilians with the prestigious Padma Awards, while brave soldiers are honored with the nation’s highest military decorations, including the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra, celebrating their unmatched courage and dedication to the country.
According to reports, the fourth edition of Project Veer Gatha, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), has garnered an overwhelming response nationwide. As part of the Republic Day 2025 celebrations, the project has inspired many by showcasing the stories of India’s brave soldiers and their remarkable contributions to the nation.
A total of 100 national-level champions, dubbed the Super-100, were chosen from four categories: Preparatory Stage (Grades 3-5), Middle Stage (Grades 6-8), and Secondary Stage. These young talents represent schools from all corners of the country, showcasing the diverse pool of exceptional students in India.
The winners of this prestigious recognition will be honored in New Delhi, each receiving a monetary reward of Rs 10,000. Additionally, they will have the unique opportunity to be special guests at the Republic Day Parade 2025, held at Kartavya Path, adding to the significance of their achievement.
Launched as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021, Veer Gatha continues to inspire young minds across the nation. The initiative fosters patriotism and civic values among children, encouraging them to embrace the spirit of service and national pride through the stories of India’s courageous heroes.
The fourth edition of the project encouraged students to write essays and narratives about their role models, including Gallantry Award recipients. It also delved into significant historical themes, prompting young minds to explore the contributions of independence fighters and the stories of tribal uprisings, helping them connect with the nation’s rich heritage.
Schools organized local-level competitions, with 4,029 top entries being submitted for national evaluation. Alongside the national winners, state and district champions will also be recognized for their outstanding contributions, celebrating the achievements of students at every level across the country.