GS Paper 1
Syllabus: Indian Culture/Post-Independence consolidation
Source: IE
Direction: The article highlights the strategic significance of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
Context: As India celebrated her 74th Republic Day on 26th January 2023, the parade in New Delhi remains the Day’s most enduring symbol for Indians. It was a grand show of India’s military might and showcased its diverse culture as well.
Background:
- 1st parade, 1950: Held in the present day ‘Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium’.
- The ceremony: included the official swearing-in of India’s first President (Dr Rajendra Prasad), a marching contingent of over 3000 men, Liberator planes of the Indian Air Force flying overhead, etc.
- 1955 onwards: The parade shifted to Rajpath (now Kartavya Path).
- The parade from the former Viceroy’s residence (Rashtrapati Bhawan now) to the memorial for British Indian soldiers (India Gate now) also underwent an Indianization process.
What’s on the display at the 74th Republic Day parade in New Delhi?
- After two years of celebrations without any chief guest due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the chief guest at this year’s parade.
- The drive for atma nirbharta or self-sufficiency in India’s military might and the key role of women in the armed forces (Nari Shakti) was under the spotlight. For example,
- The Indian Army showcased the Made-in-India main battle tank Arjun, the NAG missile system, the K-9 Vajra-T gun system, the AKASH air defence system, and the Brahmos missile. Also, this was the 1st time that no Russian weapons were on display.
- In a display of women’s empowerment, the marching contingents of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy were led by women officers for the first time.
- Assam Rifles — India’s oldest paramilitary force, highlighted the message of gender equality: The 144-strong contingent participated in an equal number of Riflemen and Riflewomen in the parade. “The mixed marching contingent of men and women of Assam Rifles marching shoulder to shoulder is the epitome of the ethos of the force of equal opportunity to all.”
- The Navy’s contingent also included three women and six men Agniveers, from the Agnipath scheme.
- The theme of nari shakti or female power carried beyond the armed forces contingents into the parade’s cultural tableaux as well. For example,
- Tripura’s tableau focuses on women’s role in creating sustainable livelihoods through tourism and organic farming.
Significance of the Republic Day military parade:
Display of power:
- There is a historical link between strong displays of soldiers and weaponry, national pride and projection of power to the nationals and the world.
- The Prussian army (Germany) – pioneered modern military parades.
Symbol of victory against colonial rule:
- During the British Raj, royal parades projected British power to its competing European colonial powers.
- Upon independence, the military parade was chosen as an integral part of Republic Day celebrations to mark the day as –
- India’s new constitution officially coming into effect
- A day of victory (against colonial rule) for the Indian state and its people and the coming of a new, sovereign and strong republic
Significance of the non-military elements in the Republic Day parade:
A symbol of unity in diversity:
- The Republic Day parade includes non-military elements like the iconic tableaux.
- The tableaux are a way to celebrate India’s diversity: and express regional identities while promoting a sense of national identity.
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