TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ India’s military prowess, infused with a spirit of aatmanirbharta and vibrant cultural heritage, was showcased on Kartavya Path as the nation celebrated its 74th Republic Day on Thursday with an ode to nari shakti. This year’s ceremonial parade saw many firsts — participation of Agniveers, women camel riders, who were part of the Border Security Force’s camel-mounted contingent, and a women pipe band from Delhi Police.
Nari shakti was predominantly the theme of the celebrations with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries joining people and members of the armed forces in marking the august occasion. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was the chief guest at the ceremonial event. Also, in a first, a combined band and marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces also took part in the parade that started around 10:30 am and ended close to noon after a fly-past.
The Egyptian contingent included 144 soldiers representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces and it was led by Col Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelfattah Elkharasawy. The ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Modi visiting the National War Memorial and paying tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. According to tradition, the national flag was unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.
