AMN
Nation will celebrate 72nd Republic Day tomorrow. The main function will be organized at Rajpath in the National Capital where President Ram Nath Kovind will take the salute of the parade.
The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. This year’s Republic Day ceremony will be different from past occasions due to Covid-19 pandemic. The Parade will be held following all necessary Covid -19 preventive protocols.
India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath in New Delhi. This time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade route has been shortened. The parade will begin from Vijay Chowk, as usual, but will culminate at the National Stadium instead of ending at the Red Fort. Only around 25 thousand spectators will be allowed to witness the parade as compared to the average of 1.15 lakh people every year.
Children below 15 years and the elderly with comorbidities will not be permitted. This year, there will be no Chief Guest from Foreign countries due to the pandemic. Thirty-two tableaux, 17 from States and Union Territories, nine from various Ministries or Departments and Paramilitary Forces and six from the Ministry of Defence, depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess will roll down the Rajpath.
School children will perform folk arts and crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations. The 122-member proud contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force will lead the contingent march on the Rajpath. The Bangladesh contingent will carry the legacy of legendary Muktijoddhas of Bangladesh, who fought against oppression and mass atrocities and liberated Bangladesh in 1971. The grand event will culminate with Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900- kilometre per hour carrying out a Vertical Charlie.
In Manipur, the State Government has completed all necessary preparations to celebrate the Republic Day Celebration tomorrow. The State Police has intensified patrolling and checking across the state to avoid any untoward incident.
Manipur Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla will unfurl the National flag at historical place- Kangla tomorrow morning. She will also inspect the Guard of Honour and present the medals to police personnel.
Around 27 uniformed contingents and one cultural troupe will take part in the March Past which will culminate at 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal where Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh will deliver vote of thanks to the participants.
In West Bengal, all arrangements are in place for 72nd Republic Day celebrations scheduled to be held tomorrow. The main function will be held at Indira Gandhi Sarani in Kolkata where Governor of the state Jagdeep Dhankhar will take the salute of the parade. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also be present on this occasion.
In view of the pandemic situation, this year the programme will be arranged on a smaller scale. Cultural events and students’ participation will not be there. Entry of general people has been banned and only the invited guests will be allowed to be present. The Navy and Air Force will be taking part in the parade while the Army will be showcasing vintage cars and ammunition. Four tableaux will be displayed by various departments of the State Government. Security has been tightened across the city and the state.
Delhi Police has made elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions for smooth conduct of the Republic Day Parade along the route tomorrow. The parade will start at 9.50 A.M. from Vijay Chowk and proceed to National Stadium, whereas Tableaux will start from Vijay Chowk and proceed to Red Fort Ground. In its advisory, Delhi Traffic Police has said that no traffic will be allowed on Vijay Chowk from 6 P.M. today the parade is over. It said, no cross traffic on Rajpath intersections from 11 P.M. Tonight at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road till the parade is over. Besides, ‘C’-Hexagon-India Gate will be closed for traffic from 5 A.M. tomorrow till Tableaux crosses Tilak Marg. From 4 A.M. tomorrow, traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zagar and Subhash Marg will not be allowed in both carriageways. Road users have been advised to plan their journey in advance accordingly and avoid the route of Parade and Tableaux, from 4 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. for their own convenience.