The 70th Republic Day is being celebrated in India with full vigour. Thousands of people including foreign dignitaries witnessed the Republic Day parade in the morning. The function began with the National Anthem after PM Narendra Modi received chief guest South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Ram Nath Kovind at the main stage. Then as per tradition, it was followed by the 21-gun salute.
But the main attraction at this year’s Republic Day parade were the women. Female officers led the contingents of the Navy, the Army Services and the Corps of Signals.
As we still discuss the inclusion of women in a combat role in the Indian defence forces, this has created history. An all-woman contingent of Assam Rifles led by Major Khushboo Kanwar marched on Rajpath for the first time ever.
Watch history in the making; an ALL WOMEN MARCHING CONTINGENT on Rajpath for the first time; Major Khushboo Kanwar leads contingent of ASSAM RIFLES pic.twitter.com/ejDUO66REs
— PIB India (@PIB_India) 26 January 2019
Assam Rifles have come a long way since 2012 when they first allowed women into the paramilitary force. Talking about the same, Major General Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff said, “This Republic Day parade will be an amazing display of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power), as many contingents will be led by women, besides an all-women contingent of the Assam Rifles.”
Adding to the festivities, Bollywood celebrities also celebrated the national day. Many stars have shared photographs with the Tricolour and are painting the town all shades of white, green and orange!
Vicky Kaushal took the lead, looking dapper in a white kurta pajama.
John Abraham also shared a photograph of himself, waving the flag
A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Let’s strive to keep our flag flying high and spread love & happiness wherever we are..
Team #BatlaHouse wishes everyone a very Happy Republic Day! 🇮🇳 #ProudToBeIndian #RepublicDay2019 pic.twitter.com/jWSTcIZCeU— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) 26 January 2019
Swara Bhasker posted a piece from the Preamble.
Lest we forget! #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/YUxNgdfc6X
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) 26 January 2019
Salman Khan shared a still from his upcoming film Bharat wishing everyone a happy Republic Day.
#Bharat wishes every one a happy Republic Day… Jai Hind..@Bharat_TheFilm pic.twitter.com/Zr0bZojQKb
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) 26 January 2019
Sonam Kapoor sent out love to her fellow Indians on Twitter.
I wish all my fellow Indians a very Happy Republic Day. It’s important that we take today, and every day to realize how lucky we are to live in this great country!🇮🇳#HappyRepublicDay
— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) 26 January 2019
Kriti Sanon too shared a photograph of herself.
Anil Kapoor shared a video of him singing the National Anthem.
Sara Ali Khan also shared a picture in front of ‘Bharat’.
And here come the Khans. Can’t miss baby Tim though!
Wishing you all a very Happy Republic Day.
Also Read: Republic Day Special: This All-Women Contingent Is Making History One Salute At A Time
Also Read: Republic Day Rangoli Designs
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