New Delhi: The Nation celebrates 73rd Republic Day today. The main function is being held at Rajpath in the National Capital. As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The Parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. This year the Parade will begin at 10.30 AM instead of scheduled time of 10 AM. The parade which starts from Raisina hills and goes through Rajpath, India Gate to Red Fort would now only go up to the National Stadium while tableaux of States, Different Ministries, and Departments will proceed to Red Fort. The number of troops in marching contingents in the Republic Day parade has been reduced from 144 to 96 to ensure social distancing in view of Covid-19. They will be seen marching in 12 rows and eight columns. Indian Army soldiers will be seen marching in different uniforms worn by the Army since 1950 to present day at the Republic Day parade this year.
The Republic Day ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. The celebrations this year are special as Republic Day falls in the 75th year of Independence, being celebrated as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ across the country. To mark the occasion, the Ministry of Defence has conceptualized a series of new events during the main parade on Rajpath. Several firsts in the parade this time include the launch of Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman programme by National Cadet Corps, a grand flypast by 75 aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force, cultural performances by 480 dancers selected through a nationwide Vande Bharatam dance competition, display of ten scrolls each of 75 metres prepared during the Kala Kumbh event and installation of 10 large LED screens for a better viewing experience of spectators. Special arrangements have been made to give an opportunity to those segments of society which usually do not get to watch the parade. Some sections of auto-rickshaw drivers, construction workers, safai karamcharis, and frontline health workers have been invited to watch the Republic Day Parade. Republic Day Parade 2022 will showcase India’s military might and cultural diversity in a grand parade at Rajpath as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. This year, there will be a total of 16 marching contingents in the Republic Day Parade. Six from the Army, one each from Navy and Air Force, four Central Armed Police Forces, one from Delhi Police, two from National Cadet Corps and one National Service Scheme, NSS. 21 Tableaux from different Sates, Union Territories, Ministries, and Departments will participate in the Republic Day Parade. Jal Jeevan Mission, UDAN, 150 years of Shri Aurobindo, Subhas @ 125, National Education Policy, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Biodiversity of Maharashtra and Tribal Revolutionaries of Gujarat are some of the themes which will be showcased in the tableaux. Anupam Mishra, AIR News, Delhi.
Delhi Police has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of Republic Day Parade at Rajpath. Over twenty-seven thousand police personnel are deployed in the national capital for the Republic Day celebrations. Along with Delhi Police teams, 200 teams of other agencies have been deployed for anti-sabotage checks. Armed battalions are deployed and drones and other technologies are being used. Delhi Police has fortified areas in and around Rajpath with multi-layer security cover, installed facial recognition systems, and over 300 CCTVs.
Delhi Police has issued guidelines for people who will attend the Parade. It said, seating blocks will open at 7 AM, and visitors are advised to arrive accordingly. It is necessary to have both doses of anti-Corona vaccine and visitors are requested to bring the vaccine certificate. Delhi Police said, Children below 15 years of age are not allowed in the function. It said, parking is limited and visitors are advised to use carpool or taxi. There will be provision for depositing remote control car lock keys in each parking area. Delhi Police said, visitors are required to carry a valid ID card and co-operate in the security check.
