India to showcase military and cultural heritage on 76th Republic Day tomorrow

India is all set to display its military strength and rich cultural heritage on Kartavya Path to mark the 76th Republic Day on Sunday. While 75 years of the Constitution is the focus of celebrations this year, the theme for the tableaus is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.

A total of 31 tableaus, including 16 tableaus from different states and Union Territories and 15 from central ministries, departments and organisations will roll down the Kartavya Path on Sunday as part of the celebrations.

The Republic Day parade will begin at 10.30 am on Sunday and will continue for 90 minutes, with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute.

The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, a second-generation officer. Major General Sumit Mehta, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.

The parade will begin with a performance by 300 cultural artists, playing ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ with musical instruments from different parts of the country.

Before the parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

The country will display its military prowess by showcasing some of the



cutting-edge defence platforms, including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash, with the Army's Battle Surveillance System 'Sanjay' and DRDO's surface-to-surface tactical missile 'Pralay' set to mark their presence in the parade for the first time.

T-90 'Bhishma' tanks Sarath (infantry carrying vehicle BMP-II), Short Span Bridging System 10m, Nag Missile System, multi-barrel rocket launcher system 'Agnibaan' and 'Bajrang' (light specialist vehicle) will also be part of the parade.

In a first, a Tri-service tableau is also the part of the celebrations to display the spirit of jointedness and integration among the Armed Forces.

A total of 5,000 artists will perform over 45 dance forms from different parts of the country in an 11-minute cultural performance. The performance will cover the entire Kartavya Path for the first time, to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.

Around 10,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to take part in the event, in line with the government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance.

Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar (Retd), and Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd) will receive the Param Vir Chakra this year.