Republic Day 2021 LIVE Updates:
A total of 32 tableaux — 17 of various states and UTs, nine of ministries and six from the defence arm — will be seen going down Rajpath this year. Among these, the tableaux of Ladakh –– the Union Territory that was created in 2019 after bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir –– will be included for the first time. Meanwhile, a multi-layered security arrangement has been put in place at all the venues across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure peaceful Republic Day celebrations, the officials said on Monday.
For the first time in 55 years, there will also be no chief guest at this year’s parade, after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed “regret” that he would not be able to visit India.
The contingent of 61 Cavalry will be led by a horse that has attended the parade for the last 18 years. The horse is 21 years old, a year older than when the animal usually retires.The contingent from Bangladesh will mark the third instance of a military contingent from a friendly foreign nation participating in the parade — the first was France in 2016, and then UAE in 2017.
Ninety per cent of the Territorial Army’s contingent comprises people from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who are coming to the mainland for the first time.
Greeting the nation on the eve of India’s 72nd Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind, in his address, acknowledged the hardships of farmers and Army, who are working towards contributing to food security and border security respectively. "Every Indian salutes our farmers, who have made our vast and populous country self-reliant in food-grains and dairy products. Despite adversities of nature, numerous other challenges & COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers sustained agricultural production," he said.
"Similarly, from freezing cold at Siachen and Galwan valley in Ladakh with temperatures as low as -50 to -60°C to scorching heat in Jaisalmer with temperatures as high as 50°C – on land, in the skies and at the vast coastal areas – our warriors are vigilant every moment." In a veiled attack on China, he also mentioned that India faced an expansionist move on its borders. "But our valiant soldiers foiled it. Army, Air Force and Navy are adequately mobilised in well-coordinated manner to thwart any attempt to undermine our security," President Kovind added.
Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the first female fighter jet pilot to be part of the Indian Air Force's tableau during the Republic Day parade on Tuesday. She was part of the IAF's tableau that featured scaled down models of the light combat aircraft, light combat helicopter, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet and Rohini radar. Three other male pilots were standing along with her on the tableau.
Kanth is one of the first three fighter pilots, others being Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh, who were inducted into the IAF in June 2016. Flight Lieutenant Tanik Sharma led the IAF marching contingent comprising 96 airmen and four officers during the parade. (PTI)
monthly limit of free stories.
with an Express account.
Indian Ambassador to Israel Sanjeev Singla on Tuesday inaugurated joint-virtual tours between Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's home in Negev desert here, on the occasion of India's Republic Day, to highlight the different aspects of the lives of the founding fathers of the two nations. "The monthly virtual tours, which will commence from February 2021, envisages deepening the understanding of different aspects of the lives of the founding fathers of both nations, including their sources of inspiration, their visions for the future of their peoples and the world, and the symbolism of their lifestyle, such as the choice of dress," according to a press statement.
Ben-Gurion was an ardent admirer of Gandhi and even had a picture of Bapu in his room. The Israeli leader's home has remained as it was left when he passed away in 1973. It was opened for the public a year later as per instructions in his will. (PTI)
Approximately 10,000 farmers and protestors took part in the anti-farm law protest and tractor rally organised as part of the ‘Jana Ganarajyotsava Parade’ held in Bengaluru, said Vinya Sreenivasan, activist and member of Samyukta Horata, an umbrella organisation of farmers and trade unions.
The rally by farmers across Karnataka has been peaceful. Farmers entered into Bengaluru by Tumakuru road, Mysuru road, Devanahalli, Hosakote and Hebbal road. All these rallies converge at Freedom Park in Central Bengaluru. (With inputs from Darshan Devaiah BP)
The Indian diaspora in China, Singapore, Australia and several other countries on Tuesday celebrated the 72nd Republic Day in a restricted manner and watched the cultural events virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Beijing, Ambassador Vikram Misri unfurled the national flag at the Indian embassy where the celebrations were restricted to officials of the mission and their families in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the Chinese capital and surrounding areas. Misri read out President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation. He also released a special instrumental rendition of 'Vande Mataram' produced by Chaiti Arts Foundation.
Beijing and several cities are currently experiencing a relapse of coronavirus cases as result local governments have imposed measures to restrict public gatherings. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad in a tweet said it celebrated the Republic Day with great enthusiasm. (PTI)
The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated with fervour across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya unfurled the national flag and took the salute of a march past at the state-level Republic Day function held at the historic Ridge.
The Governor inspected the parade and took salute from an impressive march past, led by Parade Commander Captain Dheeraj Saini from 2 Naga Regiment. Governor's wife Vasantha Bandaru and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur were also present on the occasion.
The march past was presented by the contingents of the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, SSB jawans, ex-servicemen, state police, Home Guards and Himachal Pradesh Postal Services and National Service Scheme (NSS) cadets. A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the day. Tableaux highlighting various development activities of different departments also formed a part of the Republic Day celebration. (PTI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that "our public life" gives inspiration of one dharma--'Rasthra Dharma' and it should be above all for everyone. "We do not only have a personal life but a public life also. It gives us inspiration of one Dharma, which is Rastra Dharma. It should be above all for everyone. We all should work in a devoted way," the chief minister said in his Republic Day address at his 5 Kalidas Marg residence.
"We are celebrating 72nd Republic Day and paying respect to our Constitution, which not only gives us fundamental rights but also also reminds us about our duties as a citizen of the country," he said.
The chief minister announced free coaching for competitive examinations for youths to utilise their "talent and energy".
"The coaching will be not only be available for NEET, CDS, MBA but also for all the competitive examinations at the country level. We will arrange best faculty for the purpose and even senior officers will also take classes in these coachings and share their experiences," he said. (PTI)
The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated amid tight security arrangements in Rajasthan wherein Governor Kalraj Mishra unfurled the tricolour at SMS stadium here. The celebrations were held at all district headquarters of the state with compliance of COVID-19 related guidelines like social distancing and wearing face masks.
The Governor unfurled the national flag and inspected the parade as part of the state-level function on the occasion. Folk artists, police and military bands performed at the event. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also unfurled the tricolour at his residence and attended the Republic Day program at Badi Chaupar and the State Congress Committee headquarters. The Republic Day functions were also held in various government office headquarters in the state.
In a display of India's military might, Rafale fighter jets took part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time as the armed forces showcased its T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets on the Rajpath on Tuesday.
Depicting the nation's rich cultural heritage and economic progress, 17 tableaux from states and union territories and nine from different Union ministries and paramilitary forces took part in the 72nd Republic day parade.
Six tableaux of the defence ministry also attended the event. School children performed folk arts and crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations. Bajasal, a folk dance from Kalahandi in Odisha, the Fit India Movement and Aatmanirbhar Bharat were also displayed on the Rajpath.
This year, the attendance to the Republic Day parade was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those below 15 years of age and above 65 were not allowed among the visitors at the venue. The parade also witnessed several major changes. The contingents only marched a distance of 3.5 km instead of the usual 8.5 km and for the first time in 55 years, no foreign dignitary attended the January 26 parade.
The newly inducted Rafale fighter aircraft featured for the first time in India's Republic Day flypast as it carried out the 'Brahmastra' formation alone and was part of the 'Eklavya' formation with four other fighter jets. The fighter jet conducted Eklavya formation by flying at a height of around 300 meter along with two Jagaur and two MIG-29 aircraft. The five jets resembled a V shape with Rafale leading the pack.
The 25,000 strong audience was able to see Rafale fighter jet again when it culminated the flypast by conducting the Brahmastra formation wherein it traversed at a low altitude for some distance, then pulled up vertically at 90 degrees and conducted rolls before stabilising at a higher altitude.
In a major boost to India's air power capability, five French-made multirole Rafale fighter jets were inducted into the IAF on September 10 last year. A total of 38 IAF aircraft and four planes of the Indian Army participated in the flypast on Tuesday. As is traditionally the case on Republic Day, flypast was divided into two blocks: the first was along with the parade and the second was after the parade.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday appealed to people to take a pledge to protect the countrys unity and integrity and make the nation self-reliant. The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated across Gujarat with Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurling the national flag in the presence of CM Rupani at a college ground in Dahod city in the morning. Both the dignitaries took a round of the ground in a car and greeted people present there. Later, they witnessed a cultural programme and parade by police personnel. "My greetings on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day. This is not just a day, it is a festival of democracy. This is a moment of great pride for all Indians. Let's take a pledge to protect the country's unity and integrity and make the nation self-reliant," Rupani said in a tweet.
The Indian diaspora in China and Singapore on Tuesday celebrated the 72nd Republic Day in a restricted manner, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In Beijing, Ambassador Vikram Misri unfurled the national flag at the Indian embassy where the celebrations were restricted to officials of the mission and their families in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the Chinese capital and surrounding areas. Misri read out President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation. He also released a special instrumental rendition of 'Vande Mataram' produced by Chaiti Arts Foundation. Beijing and several cities are currently experiencing a relapse of coronavirus cases as result local governments have imposed measures to restrict public gatherings. China's National Health Commission on Tuesday reported 82 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and one death due to the disease on Monday.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday extended greetings on the occasion of the Republic Day and said countrymen should read Preamble to the Constitution on this day as it tells "where we as citizens should take our country". Bhagwat, who is on a three-day visit to Ahmedabad, hoisted the national flag at state Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Maninagar area here. "All countrymen should read Preamble to the Constitution on this day as it tells us where we as citizens should take our country," he said on the occasion.
Leading the 72nd Republic Day celebrations in Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Tuesday urged the people of the southern state to utilise the opportunity for vaccination against coronavirus and continue the COVID-appropriate behaviour with utmost care. The state's experience with viral infection has been challenging, he said, adding Kerala, however, could keep mortality lowest in the country and win acclaim across the world.
As coronavirus underlined the truth that "disease anywhere is a threat to health everywhere," the state government ensured that no one was left unattended and focused on upgrading 461 of our 674 primary health centres to family health centres, he said. "A healthy and prosperous nation is like paradise on earth. To ensure health, let us utilise the opportunity for vaccination against coronavirus and more importantly, continue Covid-appropriate behaviour with utmost care until the threat is wiped out," the Governor said.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wishes India on the 72nd Republic Day. "What wonderful coincidence it's of our history that Jan 26 Australia Day, is India's #RepublicDay, a national day shared b/w friends. Australia-India share more than national day. We pursue same ideals-democracy, freedom, liberty, diversity, enterprise, opportunity," he said.
"Our history is long and our connections are many. With each year, we become even closer. The global pandemic has not divided us but has made us appreciate these shared ideals even more," Morrison added.
Republic Day parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.
ITBP personnel celebrating Republic Day 2021 in different areas of Ladakh in sub-zero temperatures.
Google Doodle celebrated India’s 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday by portraying the country’s diversity and culture sketched in saffron, white, green and blue — the colours of the national flag.
The doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Onkar Fondekar, focused on the country’s vibrant cultures, regional diversity, and architecture.
On this day 72 years ago, India’s Constitution came into effect and it officially became a sovereign Republic. In his colorful artwork, Fondekar featured musical instruments like the dholak (a two-headed hand drum) and the sitar (a long-necked stringed instrument), the people of India, cricket and dance, among other elements.
Meanwhile, chaos prevailed at Delhi’s Singhu border as police resorted to lathicharge after protesting farmers broke the remaining police barricades. Earlier this morning, the farmers camping at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur border started breaking police barricades to enter Delhi. The farmers are marching on foot as well as on tractors. On Sunday, Delhi Police had granted the farmers, protesting against the three contentious farm laws, permission to carry out a tractor parade on January 26 inside Delhi, but with modifications in their planned route and on the condition that they will start only after the completion of the official parade on Rajpath.
The tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The tableau has the theme '400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur'. The end of the trailer shows Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, the site of the cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir. The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit.
Namma Karnataka – a bit over the top depiction of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Mathanga hills of Hanuman and Krishnadeva Raya’s coronation on tableau.
The cultural part of the parade begins. Union Territory of Ladakh for the first time at the parade. Maitreya Buddha at an essentially military parade.
National Cadet Corp marching contingents next with Sena Band. Marching to Kadam Kadam Badhae ja. National Service Scheme marching up next. Men and women in the same contingent. Massed pipes and drums behind.
The pooches on the Counter Hijack operations system look at their handlers down below when they sing their song - Hum Hain Na, Hai Na Hindustan. Their motto: Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha.
Joshilay Jawaans of The National Security Guard next, the black cat commandos, the K-9 dog squad, the Bomb disposal squad, sharp training and unmatched dedication are the bedrock of this force, seen in counter-terror ops.
The BSF camel contingent. Always a sight to behold. Caparisoned camels have a service life of 16 years. From deserts of Rann of Kutch to border terrain of Rajasthan, camel-mounted troops catch infiltrators, terrorists & smugglers. Playing the tune: Hum hain Seema Suraksha Bal.
Delhi Police marching band followed by the marching contingent, they bag the award for the best marching contingent year after year, 14 times actually. Have been part of the parade since 1950. Today they are guarding this city here at Rajpath and the farmer's protest parade.
Indo Tibetan Border Police band playing Kadam Kadam Badhae Ja! The Himveers of the ITBP marching with precision and coordination. They guard our borders from Jammu Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
Marching contingents of the paramilitary forces follow. 1st up Indian Coast Guard – motto Vayam Rakshamah: We Protect. Followed by Central Reserve Police Force band playing tune- Desh ke Hum hain Rakshak.CRPF marching contingent- 1 oldest and largest paramilitary force in the world.
The DRDO tableau is up next – showing landing and take off of the LCA on board the INS Vikramaditya. The second on has Anti Tank Guided Missiles.
Colour change. Air warriors up next. Air Force band playing Sound barrier quick march with marching contingent behind them with rifles in Bagal Shastr. Tableau behind has scaled-down version of Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Su-30 Mk-I aircraft and Rohini radar.
Naval tableau theme is Swarnim Vijay Varsh – depicting Indian navy’s attack on Karachi harbor on the night of December 4-5, 1971 by missile boats. And what a salute by the women sailor on the tableau! Sharp and on point.
The world-renowned Naval brass band playing the Indian navy tune Jai Bharti and the smart sailors marching behind them
Sappers followed by combined band playing the tune Balidan. Followed by the marching contingent of the Madras Regiment’s Territorial Army. The gallant Thambis war cry Veer madrasi Adi Kollu Adi Kollu Adi Kollu (brave Madrasi, Hit and Kill! Hit and Kill!)
Mahar Regiment next, formed in 1941 in Belgaum by efforts of Dr Ambedkar. War cry – Bolo Hindustan ki Jai. Combined band playing Sarhad ke rakhwale. Behind them Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment – war cry – Durga mata ki Jai
Combined bands playing Haste Gaate. Marching behind them is the Garhwal Rifles. War Cry – Badri Vishal Lal ki Jai. Originally raised in 1887, served in both World Wars, Indo-China War, Indo-Pak wars.
Marching contingents begins with 1 of oldest & most decorated –Jat Regiment–motto Sangathan va Veerta.War Cry:Jat Balwan Jai Bhagwan. It was this regiment known as Bengal Native Infantry which in the 19th century brought back the gates of Somnath temple to India from Afghanistan
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal greeted people on the 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, saluting the "commitment and struggles of farmers, corona warriors and soldiers of the country". In a video message, Kejriwal said that glimpses of the great Republic of India and the strength of its unity was witnessed on various occasions in the last one year. "We saw doctors and nurses serving people putting their own lives at risk, we saw sanitation workers maintaining cleanliness, brave soldiers safeguarding the country and we saw the commitment and struggle of our annadatas serving the people of this great Republic amid the biggest pandemic in the history of human race." He said entire India salutes these "true servers" of the country, staying firm in the difficult times.
The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday with Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurling the tricolour at the Marina here. Chief Minister K Palaniswami gave away medals, including for gallantry and communal harmony to various recipients. Colourful cultural programmes depicting India's diversity were performed at the event while a few floats were also taken out to mark the day.
The Tricolour was unfurled at Delhi’s Rajpath in presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries including vice-president Venkaiah Naidu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday.
A total of 32 tableaux — 17 of various states and UTs, nine of ministries and six from the defence arm — will be seen going down Rajpath. Among these, the tableaux of Ladakh –– the Union Territory that was created in 2019 after bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir –– will be included for the first time.
Winners of the Param Vir Chakra & the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath. Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery & self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Ashok Chakra awarded for similar acts of valour&self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
Parade has begun at the Rajpath.
President Ram Nath Kovind has arrived at the Rajpath. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted him as he came out of his car and both proceeded to the stage.
Prime Minister Modi is wearing a special 'Paghdi' from Jamnagar, today. The first such 'Paghdi' was gifted to the PM by the royal family of Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the ceremonial book at the National War Memorial at the India Gate. Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Navy Staff also present.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Delhi's Rajpath to watch the parade, The Parade will begin shortly.
The UK and India are working side by side to free humanity from the coronavirus pandemic, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a special reference to the vaccine collaboration in his Republic Day message on Tuesday. Johnson was due to be in New Delhi as the chief guest at the annual parade to mark the India's 71st Republic Day but had to call off the visit to focus on the domestic crisis unleashed by the emergence of a new, deadlier variant of coronavirus in the UK at the end of last year.
In his video message to celebrate the birth of an "extraordinary Constitution" that established India "as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world", the UK PM reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. "I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against COVID has kept me in London," said Johnson.
The old inequality has been addressed by PM Modi in an unparalleled manner, leading to financial inclusiveness of millions. However, democracies across the world may face a tough time due to global capitalism masked as neoliberalism, which creates competitive frustrations. The state faces the burden of fulfilling aspirations through private capital which controls public resources. This new inequality is the biggest challenge for democracies, including the Indian republic, writes Dr. Rakesh Sinha, who is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP. Read the full column here
In Jammu and Kashmir, mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended across Kashmir valley as a security measure, in view of Republic Day celebrations.
Spectators at Delhi's Rajpath seated following strict social distancing protocols due to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, farmers protesting against the new farm laws have broken police barricading at the Delhi-Haryana Tikri border. This comes ahead of the tractor's rally, which they were supposed to start after the Republic Day parade. The farmers are marching on foot as well as on tractors. Earlier on Sunday, the Delhi Police had granted permission to carry out a tractor parade today inside the Capital on the condition that the farmers will start only after the completion of the official parade on Rajpath. As per the agreement, the farmers will enter Delhi from the borders, but stay in the adjoining areas and not venture towards Central Delhi.
Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda unfurled the national flag at party headquarters on Republic Day. Several other leaders including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal unfurled tricolour at their respective offices or residences on Tuesday.
Ahead of Tuesday’s farmers’ rally, tractors poured into Ghazipur throughout Monday, with the Tricolour omnipresent at the protest site.
As of Monday afternoon, trucks, tractors, trolleys and cars of farmers occupied more than 2 km of the Ghazipur flyover and below it, with the size of the protest there expanding considerably in the run-up to Republic Day. Organisers said they had initially estimated that 10,000-15,000 tractors would participate in the rally there, but had increased their estimate to 30,000.
“It is not possible for us to make a clear estimate as tractors are coming in continuously. Farmers and tractors from nearby districts and villages are expected to continue coming in till Tuesday morning,” said Jagtar Singh Bajwa, spokesperson of the Ghazipur Kisan Andolan Committee. Read More
Officers invited to the Republic Day parade will have to compulsorily attend the function, failing which will lead to a “serious view” against those who are absent, the government has communicated to all ministries.
In a communication to all secretary rank officers of the central government, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has said that due to the pandemic, the seating capacity at the official function at Rajpath has been decreased to just 25 per cent of the original capacity.
In his letter, Gauba said the Republic Day ceremony at Rajpath is an important national function held every year on January 26 and considering the importance of the ceremony, it is expected that all the officers, who are invited, attend the event.
“In view of social distancing requirements imposed due to COVID-19, the seating capacity this year has been decreased to 25 per cent of the original capacity. It is all the more important, therefore, that the officers who are invited attend the ceremony as part of their duty.” (ENS)
The reason why the tractor march on Delhi’s peripheries will be viewed in the same frame as the R-Day spectacle at its heart is not because the former is at odds with the latter, but the opposite — because they both invoke and celebrate the spirit of the republic made of not just government, but also the people, not just the power of the majority, but also the constitutional checks on it. This republican spirit encompasses a precious bundle of individual freedoms and a careful mosaic of safeguards for their protection. Read the full Editorial here
Preparations are in the final stage for the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. Seating arrangements have been made keeping social distancing in mind.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans marching with the national flag on a frozen water body in Ladakh on Republic Day.
A large number of farmers, along with their tractors, has started heading towards Delhi, as part of their tractor rally on Republic Day today. The rally rally from Singhu border is proceeding towards Kanjhawala Chowk-Auchandi border-KMP-GT road junction.