Many firsts of Republic Day Parade 2019 Assam Rifles tableau Participating in the Republic Day parade for the first time in history, the Assam Rifles tableau had women power on full display. An all-women contingent, led by Maj Khushboo Kanwar, marched to the tune Assam Rifles kay Sipahi, Desh ki Humnay Shaan badhai. CISF tableau The CISF, which is also celebrating 50 years of service to the nation, is in the Republic Day parade after a gap of 11 years. Its tableau had elements of its diverse functioning and showcased the role of women in the force. The CISF has the highest percentage of women (6 per cent) among all paramilitary forces. INA veterans In a first, four Indian National Army (INA) veterans took part in the Republic Day parade under the theme ‘Veterans: Accelerators in Nation’s Growth’. All of them were over the age of 90. Click here for more<doc-sep>22 tableaux of states and central departments were showcased during the 90-minute parade. India's 70th Republic Day celebrations began today amidst tight security in the national capital, with the traditional grand military parade on Rajpath. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial at India Gate and along with the three chiefs of the armed forces paid homage to soldiers who lost their lives in combat. President Ram Nath Kovind, the first lady and the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who is the chief guest this year, arrived in a cavalcade escorted by 46 President's Bodyguards. The open buggy traditionally used to escort the chief guest was done away this year owing to security concerns, news agency ANI reported. Fifty-eight tribal guests from various parts of the country, 22 tableaux of states and central government departments and performance by school children are part of the 90-minute Republic Day parade . For the first time in the history of the paramilitary, an all-women contingent from the Assam Rifles participated in the parade. Here are the highlights on Republic Day celebrations: Jan 26, 2019 20:39 (IST) Over 500 Indians, people of Indian origin and Russians, attended the 70th Republic Day celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The Indian diaspora in China attended Republic Day celebrations in the Indian embassy at China as well. Over 500 Indians, people of Indian origin and Russians, attended the 70th Republic Day celebrations organised by the Indian Embassy in Moscow. Jan 26, 2019 18:45 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the family of Lance Naik Nazir Ahmed who posthumously received the Ashok Chakra today Jan 26, 2019 16:27 (IST) In Gujarat's Palanpur, six children and a woman constable riding a stunt motorcycle were injured when the two-wheeler slipped at a state-level Republic Day parade. The stunt-motorcycle slipped after it lost balance and hit a group of children who were part of the audience, police told news agency PTI In Gujarat's Palanpur, six children and a woman constable riding a stunt motorcycle were injured when the two-wheeler slipped at a state-level Republic Day parade. Jan 26, 2019 16:25 (IST) Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon, addressing a Republic Day fnction at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna, said the state government was committed to upholding the rule of law and had zero tolerance for corruption Jan 26, 2019 15:08 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke security cordon to walk up to the crowds lining Delhi's Rajpath and greet them at the end of the parade. Amid chants of "Modi, Modi", the Prime Minister - dressed in traditional kurta, pajama and jacket and sporting a yellow and red turban -- walked the length of the VIP enclosure, waving to the crowds at the last big state function before the general elections due by May. Followed by his securitymen, PM Modi started his walk after seeing off the Chief Guest, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and President Ram Nath Kovind. Many rushed to the makeshift barricades to greet him, others captured the moment on their cellphones. This was not the first time the Prime Minister has broken security cordon to greet the people. After last year's Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he had walked over to meet school children who had come for the occasion. Jan 26, 2019 13:02 (IST) Tableau of Delhi showcases Mahatma Gandhi's association with Birla House Mahatma Gandhi's 720-day stay in Delhi's Birla House was on display on national capital's tableau at the parade. During his stay at Birla House, Mahatma Gandhi held daily prayer meeting which was attended by people from every section of society. Mahatma Gandhi stayed at Birla House between 1915 and 1948. The tableau showcased Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House, where the father of the nation spent his last 144 days. The Delhi tableau made a comeback at the parade after an year's gap. During the 2013 parade, it portrayed Delhi''s diverse culture and inhabitants from different backgrounds and regions and its status as the country''s hub for performing and fine arts. Jan 26, 2019 12:44 (IST) Woman power was on a remarkable display at the Republic Day celebrations today with contingents of the Navy, Army Services Corps and unit of Corps of Signals led by women officers. Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi created history to become the first woman to lead an all-men contingency at the parade. The all-women Assam Rifles contingent participated for the first time in a Republic Day parade. Major Khushboo Kanwar, a 30-year-old mother, lead the contingent of the Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force in the country. "Leading an all-women contingent of the Assam Rifles is a matter of great honour and pride for me. We have practiced very hard...I am a daughter of a bus conductor from Rajasthan and if I can accomplish this, then any girl can fulfil her dream," she told PTI, brimming with pride, after the dress rehearsals on January 23. Jan 26, 2019 11:57 (IST) Shortly after the event, PM Modi went to the stands to greet the crowd. The prime minister spent nearly 10 minutes as he went to either sides of the stand and waved to the crowd. Jan 26, 2019 11:48 (IST) President Kovind and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have left the parade ground. Jan 26, 2019 11:28 (IST) Sukhois, MiG fighter jets flew over the crowd at the Republic Day parade. The Indian Air Force flypast ceremony will include aircraft flying on biofuel extracted from jatropha plant seeds. Sukhois, MiG fighter jets flew over the crowd at the Republic Day parade. The Indian Air Force flypast ceremony will include aircraft flying on biofuel extracted from jatropha plant seeds. Jan 26, 2019 11:21 (IST) Army's daredevil motorcycle team displays stunts at Republic Day parade. Army's daredevil motorcycle team displays stunts at Republic Day parade. Jan 26, 2019 11:07 (IST) School children perform at 70th Republic Day celebrations. Jan 26, 2019 11:04 (IST) Tableau of Delhi showcases Mahatama Gandhiji's association with Delhi and Birla House. Tableau of Delhi showcases Mahatama Gandhiji's association with Delhi and Birla House. Jan 26, 2019 11:01 (IST) Republic Day 2019: Soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani Honoured With Ashok Chakra A Kashmiri soldier who died fighting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives two months ago was honored with the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peace-time gallantry award, at the Republic Day parade today." A Kashmiri soldier who died fighting Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives two months ago was honored with the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peace-time gallantry award, at the Republic Day parade today." Jan 26, 2019 10:57 (IST) Tableau of Karnataka rolls down Rajpath. The Karnataka tableau is based on the 39th session of the Indian National Congress held in Belagavi in 1924, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Tableau of Karnataka rolls down Rajpath. The Karnataka tableau is based on the 39th session of the Indian National Congress held in Belagavi in 1924, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Jan 26, 2019 10:49 (IST) Punjab tableau rolls down Rajpath as part of the Rapublic Day parade. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, that took place on Baisakhi day in 1919, is the theme of the Punjab tableau. It will be the third time in a row that Punjab is participating in the Republic Day parade. Jan 26, 2019 10:42 (IST) Sikkim tableau is the first of any state at the event. According to information, the tableau has been selected for participation based on Mahatma Gandhi. The government has instructed that all tableaus should be related to Mahatma Gandhi. Sikkim tableau is the first of any state at the event. According to information, the tableau has been selected for participation based on Mahatma Gandhi. The government has instructed that all tableaus should be related to Mahatma Gandhi. Jan 26, 2019 10:32 (IST) The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and tableaux of many states, themed on the iconic freedom fighter, are lined up for the occasion. Jan 26, 2019 10:27 (IST) The Veterans tableau-2019, it showcases the theme, 'Veterans: Accelerators in Nation's Growth'.<doc-sep>As India celebrates its 70th Republic Day today, Bollywood celebrities took to social media to wish their fans and followers. Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, John Abraham, Vicky Kaushal and many other B-Town celebs were gripped by patriotic fervour. Sharing a picture of himself dressed as an Indian Navy officer from his upcoming film Bharat, Salman tweeted, "#Bharat wishes every one a happy Republic Day... Jai Hind.. @Bharat_TheFilm." While Aamir simply wrote, "Happy Republic Day." Vicky Kaushal, who is currently basking in the glory of success of his recently released Uri- The Surgical Strike, posted a picture of himself with the national flag and wrote, "Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!" Actor John Abraham tweeted, "A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Let's strive to keep our flag flying high and spread love & happiness wherever we are.. Team #BatlaHouse wishes everyone a very Happy Republic Day!" Actor Akshay Kumar "woke up at the crack of dawn and went hiking with the family" on the Republic Day. Sharing a picture of them from their impromptu hiking scene, Akshay wrote, "High on #RepublicDay spirit." Anushka Sharma tweeted, "To always respecting our independence, freedom, rights and celebrating virtues of peace and humanity. Happy Republic Day." Here is a look at their wishes: Happy Republic Day! 20 mts to go... then we will be Rubaru...#RubaruRoshni— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) January 26, 2019 Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/qsjwPPcwcF— Vicky Kaushal (@vickykaushal09) January 26, 2019 A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Let's strive to keep our flag flying high and spread love & happiness wherever we are..Team #BatlaHouse wishes everyone a very Happy Republic Day! 🇮🇳 #ProudToBeIndian #RepublicDay2019 pic.twitter.com/jWSTcIZCeU— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 26, 2019 I wish all my fellow Indians a very Happy Republic Day. It's important that we take today, and every day to realize how lucky we are to live in this great country!🇮🇳#HappyRepublicDay— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 26, 2019 Woke up at the crack of dawn and went hiking with the family, high on the #RepublicDay spirit. pic.twitter.com/q0yWHloB0n— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 26, 2019 To always respecting our independence, freedom, rights and celebrating virtues of peace and humanity. Happy Republic Day 🇮🇳— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) January 26, 2019 Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/2bVFUbH3sN— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) January 26, 2019 Kareena, Taimur and Saif celebrate Republic day pic.twitter.com/2urATtY8Zj— Kareena Kapoor Khan (@KareenaK_FC) January 26, 2019 Follow @news18movies for more<doc-sep>
The theme for this year's Republic Day parade was dedicated to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day today. The theme for this year's Republic Day parade was dedicated to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi as India is celebrating the 150th year of his birth. Republic Day is celebrated every year on January 26 since 1950. The Republic Day holds great importance in the history of India's democracy. It was on January 26, 1950 that the largest constitution of the world came into effect in India. Since then India became a Republic - A nation "For the people, by the people, and of the people." 2019 is a year that not only marks the 70th anniversary of India becoming a Republic, but also marks the 150th year of Mahatma Gandhi's birth. The chief guest for the 70th Republic Day was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. South Africa and India have shared a special relationship right since the time of Mahatma Gandhi, who had a special connection with the African nation. The 90-minute parade saw 22 larger-than-life tableaux, each one giving a special tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Those were followed by performances by school students and others, who too danced to songs in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi. Each tableau and performance highlighted the Mahatma's teachings. Tableaux from various states, union territories and ministries were based on themes dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi The tableaux from various states included those from Sikkim, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Tripura, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Uttarakhand, among others. Uttar Pradesh's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi With many of them having big sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi, the participating tableaux were on various sub-themes pertaining to the Mahatma. These included his role with the Andamanese prison inmates (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), the historical Dandi March (Gujarat), his adoption of the iconic loincloth after seeing farm workers in Tamil Nadu and the Quit India Movement in Maharashtra. The Uttarakhand tableau featured Kausani's Anasakti Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed in 1929. The tableau showed Gandhi writing his book ''Anasakti Yoga'' at the ashram in the backdrop of mountains and Deodar trees. Uttarakhand's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi Uttar Pradesh's Republic Day tableau had 'Commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi' as its theme, with Mahatma Gandhi at the Kashi Vidyapith. Jammu and Kashmir focused on the theme 'Gandhi's ray of hope - our composite culture'. The tableau showcased Mahatma Gandhi with his charkha and the ethnic diversity of the Valley. Jammu and Kashmir's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi The parade saw an enthusiastic participation from northeastern states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim and Tripura. The original plan was to also have a tableau of Manipur, but that had to be dropped due to delay in its arrival. 'Peace Within' was Arunachal Pradesh's theme for their tableau, showing a tribal Monpa placing flowers at Gandhi ji's feet. It also shows the dancing Monpa tribe stressing on peace and cleanliness. Arunachal Pradesh's tableau, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, on Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi Delhi's tableau showcased the theme 'Mahatma Gandhi and Delhi' and displayed his association with the national capital and the Birla House which is now known as Gandhi Smriti. West Bengal's tableau depicted two phases in Mahatma Gandhi's life - his stay in Kolkata during India's Independence, and his association with Rabindranath Tagore. Punjab made an evocative presentation marking 100 years of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, a watershed moment in the independence struggle. #republicdayindia : Tableau of Punjab is based on the theme of Jallianwala Bagh massacre pic.twitter.com/qGyOkInRGc - ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019 From the ministries and Central departments, the participants were Ministries of Agriculture, Power and Drinking Water and Sanitation, for tableaux titled 'Kisan Gandhi', 'Saubhagya: New Indian Raushan India' and 'Swachh Bharat Mission' respectively. The tableau by the Ministry of Railways was a big hit with the crowd, where people stood up from their seats to cheer and clap as it passed them. It was dedicated on Gandhi ji's journey from 'lawyer' Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to 'Mahatma' Gandhi.