India's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh during the Republic Day parade. (Twitter/@PIB_India)Republic Day Parade 2022, Flag Hosting Live Updates: The country’s first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday. She is only the second woman fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau. Singh, who is from Varanasi, joined the IAF in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF’s second batch of women fighter pilots. She had been flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft before flying the Rafale. She is part of the IAF’s Golden Arrows squadron based out of Ambala in Punjab.
The 73rd Republic Day parade also featured its biggest-yet fly-past, with 75 aircraft from all three services on display. For the first time in its history, the parade began half an hour later than usual, due to low visibility and fog. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial on Wednesday morning, where he paid homage to the armed forces personnel who were killed in action. He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three defence forces.
With the parade taking place under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic yet again, strict guidelines have been imposed for those attending. Those attending must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and children below 15 years of age will not be allowed to attend the function. Visitors must carry proof of vaccination and must adhere to all Covid-protocols, such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
Contingent seen at the full dress rehearsals for the Republic Day 2022 parade while following Covid-19 protocols, on Sunday, January 23, 2022. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)
At a time when several Opposition-ruled states complained that their tableaux were not selected for the Republic Day parade, even as the government insisted that the decision was taken by an expert committee and there is no political intervention, the tableaux of four of the five poll-bound states made it to Rajpath on Republic Day.
Tableaux, from as many as 12 states and Union Territories, highlighted dances, spirit of sportsmanship, biodiversity, the freedom struggle, religious destinations and development. Read more
From R-Day parade to ITBP personnel celebrating Republic Day, see our gallery of Republic Day photos here
“I congratulate all J&K Police personnel on this momentous achievement and salute their bravery. PM Narendra Modi-led central government stands committed to recognising and honouring our brave police personnel,” says Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He adds, “J&K Police has been the spearhead of India’s fight against terrorism. It's a matter of immense pride to the entire nation, that the J&K Police has won the largest share (115) of the gallantry awards today on Republic Day. This reflects their valour and commitment.” (ANI)
India's strength in traditional textile and natural fibres was showcased by the Ministry of Textiles through its tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
The ministry's tableau, portraying a traditional weaving shuttle in the form of a space shuttle, attempted to take the viewers through India's journey from the evolution of traditional textiles to futuristic technical textiles.
The tableau also had charkhas, a loom, cotton balls and silk cocoon on its top portraying fiber to yarn conversion. The rear part of the tableau had coloured yarns which are converted into fabric by looms and turned into different traditional apparels. (PTI)
The Ministry of Education and Skill Development's tableau at the 73rd Republic Day parade on the Rajpath showcased the key aspects of the new National Education Policy through the theme 'Vedas to Metaverse'.
The front part of the tableau depicted the glorious past of the country in the area of education starting from the Vedas, the Gurukul system of education and ancient universities such as Nalanda where students from all over the world used to gather.
The rear part had a glowing bulbous brain-like structure symbolising innovation and creativity. Students of different age groups, accompanying the tableau, portrayed skill development, joyful learning while emphasising the latest technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality.
Video on the LED screens of the digital book placed atop the tableau illustrated multidisciplinary education, research and innovation, startups, robotics and metaverse. Images of educationists and scientists from ancient times to the modern age could also be seen on both sides of the tableau. (PTI)
National flag was hoisted atop the historic Clock tower in city's Lal Chowk on Wednesday, 30 years after veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi did it for the first time.
Social activists Sajid Yousuf Shah and Sahil Bashir Bhat along with dozens of supporters had organized the flag hoisting ceremony at Clock Tower, locally known as Ghanta Ghar, to mark the Republic Day. The activist used a hydraulic crane elevator to install the national flag on top of the clock tower amidst rendition of the national anthem.
Young players from Kashmir Martial Arts Academy also participated in the function. The participants danced to patriotic songs as hundreds of Police and paramilitary personnel stood guard around the clock tower.
Senior BJP leader had hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk in 1992 at the peak of militancy in the valley. (PTI)
The aviation ministry's tableau debuted at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday and showcased the impact of regional air connectivity scheme Udan across the country.
Under this scheme, financial incentives from the aviation ministry, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and underserved airports and to keep airfares affordable.
The front part of the aircraft-shaped tableau showcased women pilots depicting women power in India's aviation -- India has among the highest number of female pilots globally. The rear portion showed Buddhism symbols and the UDAN motto - Sab Uden, Sab Juden.
The middle portion focused on the Buddha circuit, featuring the Buddha statue in Gaya where he attained enlightenment, the Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath where he delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Parivartan) and the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana.
Both sides of the section depicted heritage sites -- Humayun tomb in the north, Konark sun temple in east, Hampi temple chariot in south and Ajanta caves in west -- connected through air services. (PTI)
Sending his best wishes to India on the occasion of Republic Day, UK PM Boris Johnson on Wednesday tweeted, “The UK and India are tied by bonds that span over decades, through generations and across some of the greatest challenges we have faced.”
As many as 128 people ranging from veteran politicians, businessmen, scientists and doctors to artists and ordinary people engaged in public service were announced to have been selected for conferment of Padma awards this year on Tuesday. While most accepted the awards gracefully, former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya refused to accept it. Singer Sandhya Mukhopadhyay’s family claimed she was offered the award but did not accept it. The award list did not have her name.
What are Padma awards?
The Padma awards are the highest civilian honour of India after the Bharat Ratna. They are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
The awards are given in certain select categories which include Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service and Sports. Awards are also given for propagation of Indian culture, protection of human rights, wild life protection among others. Read more.
China's People's Liberation Army has indicated that they will be handing over the missing teen from Arunachal Pradesh soon, Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said.
"Hotline exchanged on Republic Day by Indian Army with Chinese PLA," he tweeted. "They are likely to intimate date and time soon. Delay attributed to bad weather conditions on their side."
Miram Taron, a teenager from Zido village in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, went missing from near the Line of Actual Control earlier this month.
The country's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday. She is only the second woman fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the first female fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Singh, who is from Varanasi, joined the IAF in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF's second batch of women fighter pilots. She had been flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft before flying the Rafale.
She is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based out of Ambala in Punjab. (PTI)
Amrit formation comprising 17 Jaguar aircraft made a figure of 75 above Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade. Take a look.
On the occasion of India’s 73rd Republic Day, Google India’s homepage highlighted different elements of parade animals including an elephant, a horse, a dog, a camel; a red tabla; the parade path; a saxophone as part of the iconic camel-mounted band; doves; and the tricolors of the national flag.
On January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution came into effect. The day is also remembered as the anniversary of the declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete freedom) by the Indian National Congress in 1929.
Republic Day is celebrated over a three-day period with cultural events that honour the resilience, history, and diverse social fabric of the world’s most populous democracy. The largest official display of national pride held today is the Republic Day Parade—elements of which are depicted in the Doodle artwork—held along Rajpath in New Delhi. The parade features a float for several Indian states alongside dozens of bands, folk dancers, and government officials. Read more.
Virat, a horse with the President's Bodyguard, participated in his last Republic Day parade Wednesday. After serving for over a decade, Virat is set to retire.
When he arrived at the dais to escort President Ram Nath Kovind back to Rashtrapati Bhawan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paused briefly to interact with Virat. Earlier this month, Virat was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation on the eve of Army Day.
India's 73rd Republic Day Parade ended with hundreds of tricolour balloons being released into the air.
The President's Bodyguards have arrived to escort Ram Nath Kovind back to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. But first, the National anthem is played before his exit.
For the first time in Republic Day history, Indian Air Force pilots flew alongside their Indian Naval colleagues. In the impressive Amrit Formation, 17 Jaguar fighter jets were flown by both IAF and Naval pilots.
In a stunning display, a Rafale fighter jet, flanked by two Jaguars, two MiG-29 UPG, and two Su-30 MI ac, fly past Rajpath in a Baaz formation.
This year's grand fly-past features 75 aircraft for the first time. Among the planes on display are the MiG 29, as well as the Rafale.
As part of the grand finale, a stunning fly-past by the Indian Air Force and Navy has commenced. First up, five Sarang (ALH) helicopters emerge Rajpath in the 'Tiranga' formation.