By R Chandrakanth
New Delhi: India marked its 77th Republic Day with grandeur and solemn pride at Kartavya Path, as the nation celebrated the anniversary of the Constitution coming into force on January 26, 1950. Against the backdrop of a crisp winter morning and tight security arrangements, the ceremony unfolded as a powerful tribute to constitutional values, cultural diversity and military strength.
This year’s celebrations were particularly significant, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The themes of the parade — “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat” — reflected the twin pillars of freedom and self-reliance that continue to shape India’s journey.
President Salutes to Guardians of the Republic
President Droupadi Murmu, who presided over the ceremony, underscored the collective responsibility of citizens and institutions in strengthening the Republic. In her address to the nation, she said “All of you are strengthening our vibrant republic. The valiant soldiers of our three armed forces are always vigilant in the defence of our motherland. Our dedicated personnel in the police and in the Central Armed Police Forces are continuously and diligently working for the internal security of the people.”
Her remarks paid tribute not only to the armed forces but also to the police and paramilitary personnel who safeguard internal stability, reinforcing the day’s overarching message of unity and national resolve.
The ceremonial unfurling of the Tricolour, accompanied by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute, set the tone for the meticulously choreographed parade that followed.
Global Presence Highlights Strategic Partnerships
In a notable diplomatic highlight, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as Chief Guest, marking a moment of deepening India–European Union ties. Calling it a “lifetime honour” to be part of the celebrations, she said that a strong and successful India contributes to global stability, prosperity and security — “and we all benefit.”
Adding to the international dimension, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a nostalgic selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, describing him as his “dear friend” and writing, “See you in February,” confirming his upcoming visit to India. The exchange reflected the warmth of Indo-French relations and the growing strategic convergence between the two nations.
In a historic first, a European Union military contingent marched along Kartavya Path, led by Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt, representing the Director General of the European Union Military Staff. The contingent’s participation symbolised India’s expanding international engagement and defence cooperation.
Showcase of Military Strength and Jointness
The parade began with the Indian Army leading the procession through seven distinct marching contingents. Among them were mixed scout units from Arunachal, Ladakh, Sikkim, Garhwal and Kumaon Scouts, alongside regiments such as the Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry and the Regiment of Artillery.
The historic 61 Cavalry’s mounted column added a regal touch, while the Army presented its first-ever phased battle array formation. The newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion made its Republic Day debut, symbolising a bridge between conventional infantry and special forces. Raised in October 2025, the battalion had earlier appeared at the Jaipur Army Day celebrations.
An animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) showcased India’s adaptability across terrains, featuring horses, camels, military dogs, four Zanskar ponies, two Bactrian camels and even trained raptors.
A major technological highlight was the display of the Suryastra rocket launcher, India’s first multi-calibre, long-range precision launcher developed by Pune-based NIBE Limited in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems. Capable of striking targets up to 300 km with less than five-metre accuracy and deploying loitering munitions up to 100 km, Suryastra represents a significant enhancement of India’s strategic firepower.
In a stirring aerial segment, Mi-17 1V helicopters, led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, trooped the Operation Sindoor flag and showered flower petals over the audience, a symbolic gesture celebrating India’s recent aerial operational successes.
The ceremony culminated in a breathtaking flypast featuring 29 aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets and LCH Prachand helicopters, delivering a thunderous and fitting finale to the celebrations.
Women in Command
One of the most powerful moments of the parade came when Assistant Commandant Simran Bala of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led an all-male contingent down Kartavya Path. At 26, the officer from Jammu and Kashmir became the first woman to command a CRPF contingent comprising more than 140 male personnel. a milestone for India’s largest paramilitary force and a reflection of the growing role of women in the security services.
The CRPF marched alongside other Central Armed Police Forces, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingents and youth formations, highlighting unity across civil and uniformed services.
BSF’s Camel Contingent: A Desert Tradition
The Border Security Force’s famed camel contingent once again captured the imagination of spectators. Led by Deputy Commandant Mahendra Pal Singh Rathore riding his camel Chetak, the formation included three senior officers and 50 camel riders.
The world’s only Camel Mounted Band, led by Band Master Sub Inspector Amal Chatopadhyay, performed “Hum Hai Seema Suraksha Bal,” adding a distinctive cultural flourish. Established in 1986–87 by the Rajasthan Frontier, the band remains a highlight of desert festivals and national celebrations.
Known as the “ships of the desert,” the camels symbolise resilience and play a vital operational role in patrolling the harsh terrains of the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch.
Cultural Tapestry on Display: 30 Tableaux
A total of 30 tableaux — 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments and Services — rolled down Kartavya Path, offering a vibrant panorama of India’s heritage and developmental strides.
Chhattisgarh presented the country’s first tribal digital museum, honouring tribal freedom fighters. Assam highlighted Asharikandi village, the nation’s largest hub of traditional terracotta artisans, under the theme of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Gujarat paid homage to Bhikhaji Cama and other revolutionaries in the context of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
Tamil Nadu showcased its theme “Mantra of Prosperity: Self-Reliant India,” while Himachal Pradesh portrayed itself as Dev Bhoomi. Jammu & Kashmir emphasised its exquisite craftsmanship, Nagaland celebrated the Hornbill Festival as a model of culture-driven tourism, and Punjab commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
Together, the tableaux blended history, innovation, spirituality and enterprise, reinforcing the narrative of a nation rooted in tradition yet oriented toward progress.
Unity in Diversity, Strength in Resolve
With 18 marching contingents, 13 military bands and participation from the Army, Navy and Air Force, the 77th Republic Day parade presented a synchronised display of India’s defence preparedness and inter-service jointness.
From the disciplined march-pasts and technological showcases to the cultural tableaux and international participation, the celebrations reaffirmed India’s constitutional ideals and its rising global stature.
As the final aircraft roared overhead and the ceremony drew to a close, the message was clear: 77 years after becoming a republic, India continues to draw strength from its Constitution, unity from its diversity and confidence from its growing capabilities on the world stage.
