NEW DELHI – India celebrated 75 years as a sovereign democratic republic with grandeur on Sunday, January 26, 2025. The ceremonial parade on the iconic Kartavya Path showcased the nation’s military might and rich cultural diversity, marking the 76th Republic Day.
President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations, joined by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was the chief guest for the event. A marching and band contingent from Indonesia also participated, symbolizing strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The parade began with President Murmu taking the salute, accompanied by her Indonesian counterpart. Their arrival, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, included the use of a traditional buggy—a practice revived in 2024 after a 40-year hiatus. Subianto is the fourth Indonesian leader to attend India’s Republic Day, following Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president, who graced the event in 1950.
Special Guests and Honors
Nearly 10,000 special guests attended, including members of the Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans, and forest and wildlife conservation workers. The parade also featured winners of India’s highest gallantry awards, including the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra.
The parade was led by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, Parade Commander and General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, alongside Major General Sumit Mehta, Parade Second-in-Command and Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area.
A Historic Milestone
This year’s Republic Day held special significance as the nation commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s enactment on January 26, 1950. In her address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day, President Murmu highlighted the remarkable progress of the young republic over the decades.
The celebrations on Kartavya Path not only honored India’s constitutional legacy but also reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and development, strengthening the nation’s spirit as it looks forward to a promising future.