India Showcases Military Muscle, Cultural Heritage on 77th Republic Day
Image Source: Internet
India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on Tuesday saw a spectacular display of military might, cultural heritage, and diplomacy. The parade, held on Kartavya Path, featured fighter jets, attack helicopters, tanks, missiles, rockets, and a variety of unmanned systems, showcasing the country's formidable security apparatus. The event, which was attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council Chief Antonio Costa, also highlighted India's cultural diversity with vibrant performances and tableaux. The parade was themed around the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram, which was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the parade, saying it showcased India's preparedness, technological capability, and commitment to safeguarding its citizens. The event also featured a special arrowhead formation during the flypast, which was introduced to depict the role of the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor, a four-day military operation against Pakistan terror bases last year. The parade also saw the introduction of new weapons and systems, including a universal rocket launcher system called Suryastra and a long-range anti-ship hypersonic missile. Other notable exhibits included the medium-range surface-to-air missile system, Abhra, and the T-90 and Arjun tanks. The cultural section of the parade featured a choreographed dance performance by 2,500 artists, who showcased folk and classical forms from across the country in a tribute to the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram. The event also saw the display of prints of paintings created by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, which illustrated verses of 'Vande Mataram'. The presence of the EU dignitaries was significant, as India and the EU are expected to sign a trade deal on Tuesday. Modi praised the visit, saying it underscored the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership and their commitment to shared values. The parade, which was led by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, featured a new phased battle array format, showcasing the deployment of various weapons and systems in combat. The event also highlighted the growing importance of unmanned systems, with a raft of drones and ground vehicles being displayed for the first time. The theme of the parade, 'Swatantrata Ka Mantra - Vande Mataram', came at a time when the song's history and political choices have taken centre stage following an extended debate in Parliament last year.
