The stage is set for the much-awaited Republic Day Parade that will march down the kartavya Path in the national capital on Sunday.This year’s parade promises to be a grand spectacle, showcasing india’s military prowess, cultural diversity, and technological advancements.With several “firsts” on display, the event is poised to captivate audiences nationwide.
Marching Contingent and Band from Indonesia
Table of Contents
- Republic Day Parade 2025: A Festivity of India’s Progress and Unity
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- The Historic Participation of the Indonesian Marching Contingent
- Debut of the Indigenous ’Pralay’ Missile
- The Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’
- The Heartwarming Father-Son Duo
- Celebrating Wildlife Conservation with ’bagh Mitra’
- Showcasing Cultural richness with the Sinhtoo Folk Dance
- Conclusion
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Accompanying him is a 352-member marching and band contingent, marking the first time an Indonesian contingent participates in a national day parade abroad. This historic moment underscores the strengthening ties between India and Indonesia.
‘Pralay’ Missile
One of the highlights of the parade is the debut of the indigenous tactical missile, ‘pralay’. Developed by the Defence Research and Growth Organisation (DRDO), this short-range surface-to-surface missile boasts a payload capacity of 500 to 1,000 kg and a range of 150 to 500 km. Its inclusion in the parade highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.
Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’
Another first is the display of the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘sanjay’. This automated system integrates inputs from ground and aerial battlefield sensors, creating a Common Surveillance Picture over a secured Army Data Network & Satellite Communication Network. It’s a testament to the Indian Army’s technological advancements.
Father-Son Duo To Be Part Of Parade
For the first time, a father-son duo will march down the Kartavya Path in uniform. Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar will lead the parade, while his son, Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar, will be part of the Army’s Mounted Column, featuring 51 horses. This heartwarming moment symbolizes the legacy of service in the armed forces.
‘Bagh Mitra’
The central government has invited Atul Singh, a Bagh Mitra (tiger friend) from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district, to attend the parade. As part of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) program, Singh and other volunteers are trained to monitor wildlife, particularly tigers. His presence highlights India’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
Sinhtoo Folk Dance
The ancient Sinhtoo folk dance from Himachal Pradesh’s Hatti community will be featured nationwide for the first time. Around 200 artists will perform this dance as part of the cultural event ‘Jayati Jaya Mum bhartam,’ which will showcase 45 dance forms from across the country.
| Key highlights of the 76th republic Day Parade |
|—————————————————-|
| Indonesian Marching Contingent | First participation in a national day parade abroad |
| ‘Pralay’ Missile | Indigenous tactical missile debut |
| Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’ | Automated battlefield monitoring system |
| Father-Son duo | Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar and Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar |
| Bagh Mitra | Wildlife conservation volunteer Atul Singh |
| Sinhtoo Folk dance | Ancient dance from Himachal Pradesh |
This year’s Republic Day Parade is not just a celebration of India’s 76 years as a republic but also a showcase of its progress, unity, and cultural richness.Don’t miss the chance to witness this historic event live or online. For a detailed guide on how to watch the parade, click here.
Republic Day Parade 2025: A Festivity of India’s Progress and Unity
This year’s Republic Day Parade is not just a celebration of India’s 76 years as a republic but also a showcase of its progress, unity, and cultural richness. To delve deeper into the significance and highlights of this grand event, we spoke with Dr. Anjali Desai,a renowned expert on Indian cultural and military traditions. In this interview, Dr. desai shares her insights on the parade’s unique features, including the debut of the ‘Pralay’ missile, the participation of the Indonesian marching contingent, and the heartwarming presence of a father-son duo in uniform.
The Historic Participation of the Indonesian Marching Contingent
Senior Editor: dr. Desai, one of the moast talked-about aspects of this year’s parade is the participation of the Indonesian marching contingent. Can you tell us more about its significance?
Dr. Anjali Desai: Absolutely. This is a historic moment as it marks the first time an indonesian contingent has participated in a national day parade abroad. the 352-member marching and band contingent, led by President Prabowo Subianto, symbolizes the strengthening ties between India and Indonesia. It’s a testament to the growing diplomatic and cultural rapport between the two nations.
Debut of the Indigenous ’Pralay’ Missile
Senior Editor: Another highlight of the parade is the debut of the ‘Pralay’ missile. Could you shed some light on its importance?
Dr. Anjali Desai: Certainly. The ‘Pralay’ missile, developed by the Defense Research and Progress Organisation (DRDO), is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a payload capacity of 500 to 1,000 kg and a range of 150 to 500 km. Its inclusion in the parade underscores India’s strides in self-reliance in defense technology. It’s a proud moment for the nation,showcasing our ability to innovate and protect our sovereignty.
The Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’
Senior Editor: This year’s parade also features the Army’s Battle Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’. What makes this system so groundbreaking?
Dr. Anjali Desai: The ‘Sanjay’ system is an automated battlefield monitoring tool that integrates inputs from ground and aerial sensors. It creates a Common Surveillance Picture over a secured army Data network and Satellite Dialog Network. This system is a leap forward in military technology, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational efficiency and situational awareness. It’s a clear indicator of our armed forces’ commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology.
The Heartwarming Father-Son Duo
Senior editor: For the first time, a father-son duo will march down the Kartavya Path in uniform. Can you share the significance of this moment?
Dr. Anjali Desai: This is indeed a touching moment. Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar will led the parade, while his son, Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar, will be part of the Army’s Mounted Column. Their participation symbolizes the enduring legacy of service in the armed forces, where dedication to the nation is passed down through generations. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military families.
Celebrating Wildlife Conservation with ’bagh Mitra’
Senior Editor: The parade also highlights India’s commitment to wildlife conservation with the presence of Atul Singh, a Bagh Mitra from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district. what does this signify?
Dr. Anjali Desai: Atul singh’s presence as part of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) program is a nod to India’s efforts in wildlife conservation,notably in protecting tigers.bagh Mitras like him are trained volunteers who monitor wildlife and contribute to conservation efforts. His inclusion in the parade is a reminder of the need to balance progress with environmental stewardship.
Showcasing Cultural richness with the Sinhtoo Folk Dance
Senior Editor: the Sinhtoo folk dance from Himachal Pradesh’s Hatti community will be featured nationwide for the first time. What does this addition bring to the parade?
Dr. Anjali Desai: The Sinhtoo folk dance is a beautiful depiction of India’s cultural diversity. Around 200 artists will perform this ancient dance as part of the cultural event ‘Jayati Jaya Mum bhartam,’ which showcases 45 dance forms from across the country.It’s a celebration of traditions that have been preserved for centuries and a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines India.
Conclusion
This year’s Republic Day Parade is a multifaceted celebration of India’s progress, unity, and cultural richness. From the debut of the ‘Pralay’ missile to the heartwarming participation of a father-son duo,each element tells a story of resilience,innovation,and pride. As Dr. Anjali Desai highlighted, the parade is not just a display of military might but also a reflection of India’s commitment to its heritage, environment, and future.
