President Murmu unfurls tricolour as nation celebrates 77th Republic Day

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Monday, unfurling the national flag and leading the nation in commemorating the historic occasion.

The national flag was unfurled to the strains of the National Anthem, followed by a thunderous 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

President Murmu, accompanied by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Chief Guests at the celebrations, was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the saluting base. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan were also present.

In keeping with tradition, the President and the Chief Guests were escorted to Kartavya Path by the President's bodyguard, 'Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak', the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. Reviving a tradition discontinued for four decades, they arrived in a traditional buggy, adding a regal touch to the ceremony.

The Republic Day parade showcased India's military strength and technological prowess through cutting-edge defence platforms and a grand flypast by 29 aircraft. The flypast featured Rafale, Su-30, P-8I, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH and Mi-17 helicopters in various formations.

A vibrant cultural programme involving around 2,500 artists celebrated the themes of Vande Mataram and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The parade was led by a musical presentation themed 'Vividata Mein Ekta' (Unity in Diversity), highlighting India's cultural diversity. The ceremony also featured a shower of flower petals by four Mi-17 V5 helicopters in Dhwaj formation.

President Murmu took the salute as the parade began, led by Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Gallantry award winners, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, and Ashok Chakra awardees Maj Gen C A Pithawalla (Retd) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar, marched in the parade. A military contingent from the European Union also participated.

For the first time, the Indian Army presented a phased 'Battle Array Format' with an aerial component. The display featured a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India's first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle, supported by Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters and Rudra helicopters in Prahar formation.

The combat segment included T-90 Bhishma tanks and the indigenous Arjun main battle tank, accompanied by Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters. Other mechanised platforms on display included the BMP-II infantry combat vehicle and the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.

A tri-services tableau depicting replicas of major weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor in early May drew special attention, reflecting India's resolve to respond decisively to security challenges. The tableau highlighted the role of BrahMos missiles, Akash missile systems and the S-400 air defence system, along with a glass-cased integrated operational centre illustrating the conduct of the operation.

The Indian Navy contingent, comprising 144 personnel and led by Lt Karan Nagyal, marched in the parade. The naval tableau, themed 'Strong Navy for a Strong Nation', showcased INSV Kaundinya, Gurab-class ships of the Maratha Navy, and frontline indigenous platforms including INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri. It also depicted the circumnavigation route of INSV Tarini during the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition.

The Indian Air Force contingent, led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, included four officers and 144 airmen. The march-past was synchronised with a flypast by Rafale, MiG-29, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft in Spearhead formation, symbolising the 'Sindoor Formation'.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation showcased its hypersonic glide missile LR-AShM, capable of engaging both static and moving targets. A total of 30 tableaux- 17 from states and Union Territories and 13 from ministries and departments- rolled down Kartavya Path, highlighting 150 years of Vande Mataram and India's progress.

(With PTI and IANS inputs)