- The parade, “Nari Shakti” was led by President Draupadi Murmu.
- Over 100 women artists performed classical Indian music and traditional dances.
- The parade aimed to highlight women’s achievements and their place in society.
On Friday, India celebrated its 75th Republic Day, highlighting women in its armed forces with a parade that featured, for the first time, a female tri-service contingent. Republic Day commemorates India officially adopting its constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, following independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
Themed “Nari Shakti” (the power of women), the parade was led by President Draupadi Murmu—the second woman to serve as Indian president. French President Emmanuel Macron, this year’s special guest, joined her as she unfurled India’s national flag at Kartavya Path in Delhi.
The parade showcased over 100 women artists playing classical Indian music and performing traditional dances. Following them was an all-women contingent of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, which, for the first time, flew and marched in the parade that concluded at the Red Fort—a 17th-century building that served as the main residence of India’s Mughal emperors.
For Indian women witnessing this year’s Republic Day celebrations, the female-centric theme served as a means to bolster women’s empowerment efforts.
“Sinieta Ojha, a Delhi-based lawyer, said, “It’s a recognition and acknowledgment of the fact that if India has to develop as a strong and developed country, the empowerment of women, the participation of women in the workforce, and a respectful position for women in society is mandatory.” She was among over a million viewers who watched the Republic Day parade live.
“I think celebrating Republic Day as women empowerment will bring the focus on women and their achievement and their space in the society.”
Modern history:
The Indian constitution enshrines equal rights for men and women, and in modern history, India was the second country to have a female leader. Indira Gandhi assumed the office of prime minister in 1966, following Sri Lanka, where Sirimavo Bandaranaike was elected as prime minister in 1960.
“To me as a woman, the 75th Republic Day being celebrated with a female-centric theme is truly a testament of empowerment and recognition of women and their contributions to the community and the nation,” Shangita Namasivayam, a professional dancer specializing in traditional South Indian dance, told the News.
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