75th R-Day Parade will Showcase “Women Power’ of India

New Delhi: The 75th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi will showcase the “Women Power” of the country. An all-woman tri-service (Army, Navy and Air Force) contingent will be taking part in the Republic Day parade for the first time.

Maj Gen Sumit Mehta told newsmen in Delhi on Tuesday that the contingent would have women troops from the Army’s Military Police other than the Navy and the Air Force.

The R-Day parade is going to display Nari Shakti with the themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka.’

In a departure from the past, there will be a Shankhnaad ahwaan in the parade this time, he added. He said the women’s power and ‘Atmanirbharta’ will be the highlight of the parade.

Not only the marching women contingents will be the highlight of the parade, but (MRSAM) Medium Range Surface to Air Missile system, which is for the first time being showcased in the parade will also be led by a woman officer.

The MRSAM is a specialised defence system also known as ‘Abhra’ designed to contribute towards air defense as it can take down aircraft, drones and also acts as a theatre defence cover system.

A total of 15 women pilots are taking part in the parade flypasts. The Artillery regiment’s Pinaka System (multi barrel rocket launcher) will also be led by the women officers.

The famous Border Security Force’s Camel Contingent is a mixed contingent with women and men troops. Nari Shakti from across different states will be taking part in the parade leading their respective teams. Motorcycle riding displays will be showcased by the CRPF, SSB and ITBP women soldiers.

Delhi Area Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar will be the parade commander of this parade, which will begin at 10.30 am and will be of 100 minutes duration. The two living Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar will be a part of this parade.

French marching contingent will take part in the parade. A French refuel aircraft along with two Rafale aircraft will fly- past as they take salute.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the guest of the Republic Day festivities.

Tableaux from 16 states and Union Territories and nine ministries will showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity and the nation’s progress.