70th Republic Day

India celebrated its 70^th Republic Day Anniversary on 26^th of January 2019.

Main highlights of the day

• The theme of this year's celebration was "Mohan se Mahatma."
• The parade saw 22 tableaux, comprising of 16 from different States & Union Territories and six Ministries, Departments and other institutions displaying the life, times and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi
• South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest of the ceremony.
• Ramphosa's presence at the event was significant as India is celebrating 150^th birth anniversary of the father of the nation, who had spent 21 years in South Africa before returning to India to join the freedom struggle.
• This year veterans of Indian National Army (INA), who fought valiantly against the imperial forces also participated in Republic Day Parade. These veterans are Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal.
• The voice of Bhupen Hazarika, popularly known as the 'Bard of Brahmaputra', resonated at the Rajpath as the Assam tableau, depicting the handloom of the state inspired by Mahatma Gandhi made its way during the Republic Day celebrations, a day after the Bharat Ratna was posthumously awarded to him.
• The all-women Assam Rifles contingent created history this year by participating for the first time in a Republic Day parade. Contingents of the Navy, Army Service Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals (transportable satellite terminal) were also led by women officers.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the first time displayed Medium range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM). This System is an Air and Missile Defence (AMD) system intended for the protection of own territories and ground forces against attacks by enemy aircraft and guided weapons.
• DRDO will also showcased Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (Arjun ARRV).
• Air Force Tableau titled ‘Indian Air Force Encouraging Indigenisation’ showcased the scaled-down models of the aircraft, radar and missile system which are indigenously designed and manufactured. The models displayed were Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Low-Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR), and Sukhoi-30MKI.
• Artillery gun system M777 American Ultra-Light Howitzers, the Main Battle Tank (MBT) T-90 and the Made-in-India Akash Weapon System were also displayed.
• `Sankhnaad', a martial tune based on Indian classical music was played for the first time on the 70th Republic parade. Since Independence, the Indian defence forces have been playing 'martial tune' created by the Britis.
  
  

  Why Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January ? 1927: Bhagat Singh along with few other leaders came forward with ‘complete freedom’ initiative. 1928: A resolution was passed by the Indian National Congress for ‘Dominion Status’ but the British rejected the proposal stating that India is not capable for the Dominion Status. 1929: During the Lahore session, the Congress demanded Purna Swaraj i.e. complete independence. 1930: To celebrate the occasion, last Sunday of January (which fell on 26th) was fixed. Hence, Independence Day was celebrated with Nehru hoisting the flag on the banks of river Ravi in Lahore. 1949: Indian Constitution was formed by November 26. Those who were part of the first Independence Day celebration (January 26, 1930) decided to celebrate the Republic Day on January 26.