India's 74th Republic Day parade procession featured a women's power point

By: WE Staff | Friday, 27 January 2023

During the Republic Day procession on Kartavya Path, India's military self-reliance and its women's empowerment were particularly evident. When Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the principal guest, was being entertained by Supreme Commander President Droupadi Murmu, various marching contingents were led or taken by female officers.

The Egyptian armed forces' mixed band and parade contingent also did participate in the parade, which began at around 10:30 am and ended just before noon following a fly-past. Col. Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelfattah Elkharasawy served as the commander of the Egyptian contingent. 

The national anthem was followed by the unveiling of the Tricolor and a 21-gun salute fired from 105-mm Indian field cannons. The old 25-pounders were replaced by indigenous weapons, a sign of the expanding aatmanirbharta in defence.

The main combat sump Arjun, the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) and the K-9 Vajra, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, the Akash air defence missiles, and the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles were among the military equipment on the show that was mostly built in India.

Lt. Chetana Sharma was at the forefront of the Akash weapon system. Sqn Ldr Sindhu Reddy served as the team leader for the Indian Air Force contingent, which included 144 airmen and four officers. The air force's show, with the theme "Indian Air Force Power Beyond Boundaries," featured a rotating globe highlighting the IAF's increased reach, including its ability to conduct joint training exercises with friendly nations and deliver humanitarian aid across borders.

Six Agniveers and three female sailors made up the first batch of recruits under the new armed recruitment program. They were headed by Lt Commander Disha Amrith, who is stationed at a key facility.

Prime Minister Modi visited the National War Memorial before the ceremony began and laid a wreath in memory of the dead soldiers. A fly-past by 45 Indian Air Force aircraft, an aircraft from the Indian Navy, and four Indian Army helicopters marked the parade's conclusion. There were a total of 23 tableaux, with Nari Shakti serving as the theme for the majority of them. There were 17 tableaux from states and territories and six from other ministries and departments.

PVC awardees

In addition to a veterans' tableau, the march also featured three recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and three recipients of the Ashok Chakra. For the parade, a group of Shramyogis who worked on building the Central Vista, the Kartavya Path, and the new Parliament were particularly invited.