Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, January 26, extended heartfelt greetings to citizens across the country on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, calling upon people to reaffirm their collective commitment to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ as India celebrated the values enshrined in its Constitution. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said Republic Day represents India’s pride and honour and should inspire fresh enthusiasm and determination among citizens to work towards a developed nation.
Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, marks the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, when the country formally became a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The day commemorates a historic milestone that followed India’s long freedom struggle and laid the foundation for constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
The main national celebrations are taking place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu is presiding over the ceremonial parade. This year’s event holds special diplomatic significance, with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attending as Chief Guests, underscoring India’s expanding global engagement and partnerships.
Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey since Independence. According to the Ministry of Defence, the celebrations are showcasing a blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, the country’s development milestones, military strength, cultural diversity and active participation of citizens from across the nation.
The ceremony began at 10:30 am and is scheduled to last about 90 minutes. As per tradition, Prime Minister Modi first visited the National War Memorial to lay a wreath and pay homage to the nation’s fallen heroes. He then proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade along with other dignitaries.
President Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path accompanied by the visiting European leaders in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the Indian Army’s senior-most regiment. The celebrations included the unfurling of the National Flag, the playing of the National Anthem, and a 21-gun salute fired using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
A total of 30 tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path, comprising 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various Ministries, Departments and Services. Presented under the themes ‘Swatantrata Ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi Ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the tableaux highlighted India’s enduring connection with ‘Vande Mataram’ and its rapid progress powered by self-reliance, innovation and cultural richness.
