INDIA on Friday (26) witnessed a historic milestone on the occasion of its 75th Republic Day as the country's Nari Shakti (women empowerment) was showcased during the parade at Kartavya Path (Road of Responsibility) in New Delhi.
The event, which was attended by French president Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest, saw for the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent taking part in the parade that spoke about India's military prowess and cultural diversity.
Besides women pilots of the Indian Air Force and women personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces, the parade saw participation of more than 100 women artistes playing various traditional musical instruments of India, instead of routine military bands.
The Indian armed forces exhibited home-made military hardware, including missiles, drone jammers, and surveillance systems, among others.
Read: Delhi gets thick security blanket ahead of Republic Day 2024 celebrations
Indian president Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the 75th Republic Day function at the Kartavya Path, in New Delhi, Friday, January 26, 2024. Macron was the chief guest for the occasion. (PTI Photo)
The ceremony, which marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, kicked off with prime minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the National War Memorial in the Indian capital. Later, Indian president Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by Macron, took the salute at the parade.
Read: Modi, Macron hold roadshow in India's Jaipur, discuss key issues
The event was also joined by a combined band and marching contingent of the French armed forces.
The parade saw 16 tableaux from various states and Union territories of India, along with nine from the federal ministries and departments, rolling down Kartavya Path, depicting India's rich cultural tapestry. They also highlighted the theme of "women empowerment".
More than 70,000 security personnel were deployed throughout New Delhi to ensure security for the grand celebrations that were attended by several dignitaries.
An estimated 77,000 spectators were expected to witness the parade.
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