The 69th Republic Day Parade mirrored India's unity in diversity, emphatically showing the rich cultural, religious heritage, the flora and fauna. This was abundantly displayed at majestic Rajpath through various tableaux. Gandhi and Buddhism were the dominant themes of tableaux this Republic Day.
With India bolstering it ties with ASEAN nations and presence of 10 ASEAN leaders to witness the 69th Republic Day Parade standing as testimony to its growing international prowess, two tableaux by Ministry of External Affairs projected India's Educational & Trade and Cultural & Religious ties with ASEAN countries.
While the former portrays "Bali Jatra", where seas not only connected communities but also facilitated sharing of ideas, art , religion etc, the later portrays religion as one of the strongest linkages between India and South East Asia.
The tableaux of various states preceded the synchronised marching contingents of the armed forces marking the stealth and vigor of our defense forces and their combat capabilities.
Also, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi connecting with citizens through popular radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", for the first time in the history of parade a tableaux of All India Radio showcase the AIR's journey of more than 8 decades. The front part depicts the historic events when Mahatma Gandhi made his maiden and only broadcast through AIR in the wake of communal riots following partition. The middle part showcases soldiers listening to "Jaimala" and people listening to "Mann Ki Baat".
One tableaux which was centre of main attraction among the children was of Karnataka — India's tiger state — showcasing its rich wildlife heritage. Macaques feasting on jackfruits atop the tress are seen in the front portion, tigers can be seen resting on hilltop at the centre. A pack of wild dogs , Bison, leopard, Kingfisher, a herd of elephants and a swoop of cranes nesting on a bamboo.
Another tableaux which stole the show and was applauded most by the audience is of Maharashtra portraying the coronation of Maratha Pride Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Audiences were simply exalted on the tune of "Jai Bhawani" echoing in the background.
Others states glorifying their heritage and culture were lakshadweep Island of Joy, Jammu and Kashmir showcasing the livelihood of state Uttarakhand portraying its rural tourism, Tripura projecting its handicrafts, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Punjab among others.
Other Tableaux were of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) a mountain warfare force depicting the ITBP soldiers defending snow-capped borders with China in a highly inhospitable terrain, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with theme "Khelo India", Ministry of Tribal Affairs etc.
The Income Tax department showcased its anti-black money drive launched post demonetisation. The armed forces tableaux were part of the colourful floats.The Indian Navy's tableaux showcased the theme 'Indian Navy - Combat Ready Force for National Security'.
The Indian Air Force tableaux, led by three women officers, was themed 'Indian Air Force Encouraging Indigenisation' which displayed models of the Tejas Multi-role Fighter Aircraft, Rudra Helicopter, Arudhra Radar and the Akash missile system.
Himachal Pradesh's tableaux showed status of Buddha in meditation along with some stupas and the monks resting there.
The Gujarat tableaux showed Gandhi weaving on his wooden spinning wheel and ashram inmates busy in daily activities. The tableau also showed Gandhi's 'three monkeys' and various other things or places that were an integral part of Gandhi's life.