India Marks 77th Republic Day with Grandeur, Global Presence and Renewed Constitutional Spirit

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with solemn dignity and vibrant spectacle at Kartavya Path, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to constitutional values while showcasing its cultural depth, military preparedness, and growing global stature. The celebrations commemorated the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950 and reflected a confident India rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in ambition.

NCC cadets march during a rehearsal for Republic Day Parade 2026, in Nagpur, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (PTI) | LiveMint

Presidential Leadership and National Tribute

The national celebrations were led by President Droupadi Murmu, who unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at Kartavya Path amid a ceremonial 21-gun salute. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to India’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial, honouring their supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

A defining moment of the ceremony was the conferment of the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force. Recognised for his historic space mission and exemplary service, the award symbolised India’s expanding frontiers in both defence and space exploration.

Republic Day and India’s Global Engagement

Republic Day 2026 carried strong diplomatic significance with the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as chief guests. Their attendance highlighted the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and the European Union, reflecting India’s rising influence in global affairs.

Political leaders from across the spectrum, senior officials, and foreign dignitaries attended the parade, reinforcing Republic Day as a moment of collective national reflection beyond political divides.

A Parade Celebrating Culture, Heritage and Unity

This year’s parade was themed around the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”, India’s iconic national song. The opening cultural segment featured thousands of artists performing folk and classical traditions from across the country, creating a powerful visual representation of India’s unity in diversity.

State and central ministry tableaux presented narratives of India’s civilisational heritage, developmental progress, social reforms, and technological achievements. Together, they portrayed a nation drawing strength from its past while shaping its future through innovation and inclusive growth.

Showcasing Military Strength and Indigenous Capability

The Republic Day parade once again underscored India’s focus on defence preparedness and self-reliance. Marching contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force displayed discipline and coordination, while mechanised columns showcased advanced weapon systems and surveillance technologies developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Special attention was drawn to tri-services integration displays, highlighting joint operational readiness across land, sea and air. Newly raised and elite units made their debut appearances, symbolising the modernisation and adaptability of India’s armed forces in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Aerial Display Captivates the Nation

The celebrations culminated in a breathtaking Indian Air Force flypast, featuring fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters flying in precision formations. Aircraft such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI and MiG-29 soared over Kartavya Path, drawing applause from spectators and reinforcing India’s growing airpower capabilities.

The flypast served not only as a visual spectacle but also as a reminder of the nation’s readiness to defend its skies while advancing indigenous aerospace development.

Republic Day Across India

While the national parade unfolded in New Delhi, Republic Day was celebrated with equal enthusiasm across states and districts. Flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and community events took place nationwide, from metropolitan cities to remote villages. In regions previously affected by unrest, the unfurling of the Tricolour marked renewed peace and democratic inclusion.

Schools, government institutions and local administrations organised events that encouraged civic pride and constitutional awareness, ensuring that the spirit of Republic Day reached every corner of the country.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path reflected a nation firmly anchored in its constitutional ethos while confidently projecting its future ambitions. Led by President Droupadi Murmu and marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute at the National War Memorial, the day blended solemn remembrance with national pride. The conferment of the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla underscored India’s expanding horizons, symbolising excellence not just in defence but also in space and technological advancement. The presence of European Union leaders as chief guests further highlighted India’s growing strategic relevance and its deepening engagement with global partners.

The parade itself showcased India’s civilisational continuity, cultural diversity and indigenous strength. From the tribute to “Vande Mataram” through vibrant cultural performances to tableaux depicting development, reform and innovation, the celebrations narrated India’s journey as both ancient and aspirational. The display of indigenously developed defence systems, tri-services integration and the Indian Air Force’s precision flypast reinforced India’s commitment to self-reliance and security readiness. Celebrations across states and districts echoed this spirit nationwide, turning Republic Day into a shared reaffirmation of unity, democratic values and the constitutional vision that continues to shape India’s national destiny.

(Sources: LiveMint, Economic Times, Business Today)