SANN News
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day in a grand manner on Monday. After President Draupadi Murmu unfurled the tricolour at the main ceremony held at the runway in New Delhi, a 21-gun salute was given along with the national anthem. On the occasion, Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla was awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry award ‘Ashok Chakra’.
The special cultural theme of the parade was ‘Mantra of Freedom – Vande Mataram’. For the first time, two chief guests have participated. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were the chief guests this time. 30 selected tableaux from various states and ministries were presented in the 90-minute parade.
A total of 6,065 people participated in the parade this time. 29 aircraft (16 fighter aircraft, 4 transport aircraft and 9 helicopters) performed in the fly-past.
2,500 artists from across the country participated in the cultural performance. Along with the army’s marching contingent, there were also animal teams and special forces units.
