The country’s cultural heritage and diversity will take centre stage at this year’s Republic Day parade on January 26, showcasing India as the ‘mother of democracy’ and will also be women-centric. For the first time, the parade will commence with music played using Indian musical instruments by 100 women artists, instead of the military band as was earlier, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane said on Friday. In a first for another country, French Rafale fighter jets will fly over Kartavya Path, in addition to a French marching contingent as French President Emmanuel Macron looks on as the chief guest.
A 144 personnel tri-Service women contingent would be participating in the parade this time for the first time with 48 personnel from each service. Also, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) latest induction, the C-295 medium transport aircraft, will make debut over Kartavya Path during the fly-past. All the cultural performances will be by women, around 1,300, the highest number of performers ever. In addition, around 13,000 achievers in various fields and those who excelled through various government schemes will be special invitees at the parade.
