"Best representation of women will be seen in this year's Republic Day parade": Defence Secretary

New Delhi [India], January 19 : Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane on Friday said that the 75th Republic Day Parade will be the most women-centric, adding that the tableaux of States and Union Territories (UTs) and Central Ministries and Organisations will showcase the country's rich cultural diversity, unity and progress.
The Defence Secretary informed that 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka' will be the main themes at the Republic Day event.
Defence Ministry said that for the first time, the parade would be heralded by 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments and the parade would commence with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. to be played by women artists.
"Best representation of women will be seen in this year's Republic Day parade," the Defence Secretary said.
The parade will also witness an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down Kartavya Path for the first time. The CAPF contingent will also consist of women personnel. "Best representation of women will be seen in this year's Republic Day parade," the Defence Secretary said.
On the contingent taking part from France, " French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at this year's Republic Day Parade. A 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France will also take part in the parade. Along with the aircraft of the Indian Air Force, one Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft of the French Air Force will participate in the fly-past," a statement from the Defence Ministry said.
Around 13,000 special guests have also been invited by the Centre to witness the parade this year.
The Defence Secretary stated that the objective is to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to take part in the national festival, in line with the government's vision of Jan Bhagidari.
He quoted the Prime Minister by saying that "these guests are the pride of the country".
A total of 25 tableaux--16 states/UTs and nine ministries/departments--will roll down the Kartavya Path during the parade.
Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana tableaux will take part in the parade.
The Ministries and Organisations are, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Culture, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Election Commission of India, and Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
The Ministry of Culture will be showcasing the 'Anant Sutra - The Endless Thread' textile installation at Kartavya Path.
It will be installed behind the spectators seated in the enclosures.
Anant Sutra is a visually stunning tribute to the saree, India's timeless gift to the world of fashion. This unique installation will showcase nearly 1,900 sarees and drapes from every corner of the country, mounted at a height with wooden frames along the Kartavya Path, the Defence ministry said.
The Defence Ministry will also release a commemorative coin and commemorative stamp on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Ministry of Culture will organise Parakram Diwas at Red Fort on January 23 on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
"During the event, various activities like 3-D projection mapping/light and sound show, projection mapping with plays/dance performance, etc. will be organised," it said.
Reflecting the 'Jan Bhagidari' theme, 'Bharat Parv' will be organised at the Red Fort, Delhi from January 23-31, 2024, by the Ministry of Tourism. It will showcase Republic Day tableaux, performances by the military bands, cultural performances, a craft Bazaar and food courts dishing out pan-Indian cuisines, an official statement issued by the Ministry said.