India celebrates 76th Republic Day on January 26 this year. On this day in 1950, India officially adopted the Constitution of India. This year’s Republic Day Military Parade theme is Swarnim Bharat-Virasat aur Vikas (Golden India: Heritage and Progress). Since the very first Republic Day celebrations, the military parade has been the ‘star attraction’ for the public. The main parade is held in New Delhi, and it marches from Raisina Hills, then on the Kartavya Path, passes the India Gate, and ends at the Red Fort.
It may be just a spectacular military parade for the normal public, but the Republic Day Parade symbolises national pride and unity.
Traditionally, the nation’s militaries have become a barometer of its national power and standing amongst the comity of nations. In ancient times, the empires followed a policy of expansionism through military campaigns. Nearer home, this phenomenon continued till the British rule of India. Invariably, the victorious armies would march through the captured city to celebrate their triumph. There was a victory march and grand celebratory procession when Bhagwan Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Ramayana mentions that the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to express their joy in welcoming Bhagwan Rama, and we in India celebrate this event as Deepawali now.
The importance of the initial years of the Republic Day Parade meant a signal to the nations that a young democratic republic had come into being. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, many nations in Asia and Africa emerged from colonial rule and became independent. Over the next seven decades, very few nations which claim to be a genuine democracy have managed to survive. India, governed by the longest-written constitution, has flourished as a democratic republic. I believe Delhi’s main Republic Day Parade has played a key role in securing our democratic credentials over the years. The Indian Armed Forces are one of the most advanced in the world, and our military prowess is on full display every Republic Day.
The magnificent parade on Republic Day has fostered a sense of patriotism and collective identity amongst the Indians. When there was no TV or live coverage of the Republic Day Parade, radio commentary would vividly capture the event with the magic of words. With the advent of live TV coverage and being beamed by all the social media platforms, the Republic Day Parade is easily one of the most watched events in India. Indians relate to the Republic Day Parade as their victory celebration, and people from all walks of life take pride in being part of a vibrant democracy. The marching of smartly attired soldiers, displaying every movement in unison, is a treat for the eyes. It sends the adrenaline of patriotism to the highest levels of human experience.
While the military parade may look very attractive, marching in unison, with or without arms is one of the most challenging military training areas. All the training related to marching, brilliant turnout, saluting, etc., forms part of Drill Training. All those in uniform, particularly those from the Army, have lifelong memories associated with drill training, whether in the Recruit Training Centres or military academies. Every person has a different stride and way of walking, but to bring a marching column of 144 soldiers marching as one entity requires a hell of a lot of hard work. That is why the contingents assemble in Delhi one month before Republic Day. These train anything up to 12-14 hours every day. Mind you, no one gets any overtime allowance or bonus. For soldiers, it is pride in their marching and being the best.
When I was Commandant of the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, drill training and practice were huge challenges. With just 11 months of training time available before a cadet becomes a commissioned officer, the Academy had to set the same standards as the academies, which take four years to groom a commissioned officer. In addition, male and female cadets march together as a single column in OTA Chennai. But hats off to my most motivated drill instructors, who shaped young boys and girls into a top-class marching contingent. I can say with conviction that the smart women officers who lead the marching contingent on Republic Day are alumni of OTA Chennai.
The display of the military has a message for the nation that the territorial integrity of India is safe in the hands of the armed forces. The presence of para-military forces and police columns signifies a hold over internal security matters. The marching contingents not only uplift the spirit of the citizens but also boost the morale of the uniformed forces. Indians traditionally hold the armed forces in the highest esteem, and a lot of it has to do with the impressive marching of the contingents, the display of the latest weapons and equipment and the showcasing of advanced military technology to fight future wars. Accompanied by colourful military bands in their best regalia, the parade presents an unforgettable experience to everyone.
India is blessed to have the highest young population in the world. About 74 per cent of India’s population is below 40 years of age, with almost half of India being below 30. This huge demographic dividend awaits capitalisation to ensure India’s fast-paced development. The youth of India must learn the lessons of strict discipline, selfless devotion to duty, and the highest patriotic sense from uniformed forces. Yes, the parade also inspires millions of the young to choose a career in the military. Essentially, the youth of India have to come out of their comfort zone in the nation’s service, as recently exhorted by Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Modi also stressed freedom from the colonial mindset, and the Indian Armed Forces eliminated many British-era rituals and traditions. Indian Armed Forces are taking pride in the rich military history of our nation and moulding themselves to be Atma Nirbhar in military hardware. The proud Indians will glimpse cutting-edge military innovations under the theme ‘Raksha Kavach’. The Ministry of Defence under Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri of India, is responsible for organising the Republic Day Parade. This year’s event will be a galaxy of spectacular military displays and India’s rich cultural heritage. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri dedicated the Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) Sanjay on January 24, and this modern communication system is another star attraction during the parade.
Though no speech is made during the Republic Day Parade, a lot more is conveyed with the display of military might, which has the backing of a patriotic nation in peace and war; for our adversaries, it is a clear deterrence not to mess with India. India is a peace-loving nation but has the might to take on any aggressor. India has emerged much stronger in every field with every Republic Day Parade. India is soon going to enter the golden era of development and prosperity. Our proud heritage guides the progress of a modern and developed India. Greetings, my fellow citizens, on Republic Day in India. Jai Bharat!
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