‘Atmanirbharta’: The theme of the 2023 Republic Day Parade
The drone show at the Beating Retreat Ceremony this time will have 3500 drones which is more than triple the amount of drones in comparison to the last year. India’s first homegrown light combat helicopter ‘Prachand’ developed by HAL with Atmanirbharta’ as its theme is planned to be launched at the parade. In view of the government’s decision to replace all western tunes with Swadeshi ones, this beating retreat will have ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo’ following the Swadeshi theme replacing Mahatama Gandhi’s favourite hymn ‘Abide with Me’.
In light of PM Modi’s vision of Jan Bhagedari the week-long celebrations will begin on the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose and will conclude on Jan 30 Martyr’s Day according to the defense secretary Giridhar Aramane.
‘’The festivities will pay homage to INA veterans and tribal tribes who took part in the freedom movement against the British’’ said Aramane.
Indigenous weapon systems and platforms will be highlighted during the R-day Parade on Jan 26. These will include K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns Nag anti-tank guided missiles Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles Akash surface to air missiles to the helicopter ‘Prachand’ and will participate in the flypast by 50 fighter aircraft choppers.
Additionally, the flypast will mark the first and final appearance of the Russian-built IL 38 anti-submarine warfare aircraft, which the navy has since replaced with the US-built P81 long-range patrol aircraft.
According to Aramane, a number of brand-new events are being planned as part of the R Day celebrations, including a military tattoo contest, a tribal dance festival, Veer Gatha, and Vande Bharatam to highlight the nation’s cultural diversity, digital India, and the growth of the start-up ecosystem on January 23–24.
When it illuminates the night sky over the Rasina Hills, the drone show, which weaves a variety of national figures and events through seamless synchronisation, will be one of the key enchantments.
‘’The show portrays the success of the start-up ecosystem, the technical skill of the nation’s youth, and leads off for future innovative trends.” An official announced that during the beating retreat, a 3D anamorphic projection will be organised for the first time on the frontage of the north and south blocks.
