India’s Republic Day Prowess

The Indian capital, New Delhi is under the tightest security as the rehearsals for the 67th Republic Day are being conducted to finalise the showpiece.It is expected to be a spectacular show of pomp and ceremony. The country is growing ever more confident on the world stage, as it profiles the wide array of symbols of achievement.

This year, the French President Francois Hollande will be the Chief Guest of Honour. Last year, President Barrack Obama was the first American President to attend to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day. President Hollande will be the second French president to attend the ceremony after Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008.

It is also for the first time in Indian history, French troops will be accompanying the Indian soldiers. According to Government sources, the French contingent of 56 personnel of the 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade is taking part in a joint counter-terrorism exercise called ‘Shakti 2016’ with Indian soldiers.

There are also other firsts. The country’s first indigenously developed aircraft carrier Vikrant and submarine Kalvari will be displayed by the Navy. After 26 years, the Army’s dog squad will make an appearance, but there has already been some controversy with reports of the camels are no longer included in the parade. There will be a women-only stunt contingent demonstrating their motorcycle riding skills. And in India, you can never keep cricket out of the news. Sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar is with a host of the celebrities is being featured in a video of the national anthem.

Republic Day related to the date when the Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950 superseding the Government of India Act of 1935 as the primary governing document of India completing the country’s transition to a fully fledged independent republic. The specific date was chosen because it was on this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by the British establishment.

India’s Republic Day Prowess

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