- President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag in New Delhi.
- PM Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial.
- States celebrated with parades, cultural events, and development-focused announcements.
- Bihar pledged 12 lakh jobs and 34 lakh employment opportunities by year-end.
- Assam witnessed panic after loud sounds, with ULFA (I) claiming responsibility for “blasts.”
India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, 26 January, with a grand parade along New Delhi’s iconic Kartavya Path, connecting Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.
President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial.
The event, attended by federal ministers, foreign envoys, and citizens, featured a 90-minute parade showcasing India’s cultural diversity and military prowess.
The celebrations concluded with a fly-past involving 40 aircraft and helicopters.
State-Level Highlights
Across the country, Republic Day parades and cultural programs highlighted India’s unity in diversity.
In Bihar, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan announced an ambitious plan to create 12 lakh government jobs and 34 lakh employment opportunities by the end of the year.
Speaking at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, he also highlighted ongoing welfare initiatives and infrastructure projects aimed at women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary called for the restoration of statehood during a speech at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium.
He emphasized that regaining statehood was crucial for restoring public confidence and fostering development in the region.
Security arrangements remained relaxed compared to previous years, with fewer checkposts and no internet suspension.
In Rajasthan, Governor Haribhau Bagade praised India’s growth under PM Modi’s leadership.
Addressing a gathering in Udaipur, he credited political stability for the country’s economic resilience amidst global uncertainty.
Security Concerns in Assam
In Assam, Republic Day celebrations were marred by panic in Guwahati’s Beharbari area after a loud sound was reported.
Police later confirmed the noise originated from a truck parking area, causing no injuries or damage.
ULFA (I), a banned militant group, claimed responsibility for alleged “blasts” in Guwahati via an email.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured citizens of enhanced safety measures and announced plans to develop Dibrugarh as the state’s second capital within three years.
Farmers’ Protests in Punjab
In Punjab, hundreds of farmers held tractor parades under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha banner, demanding legal guarantees for minimum support prices.
Black flags adorned many tractors during the peaceful demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state-level celebrations in Ludhiana and Patiala, respectively.
Economic Growth in Telangana
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Verma highlighted the state’s strides in technology and innovation during celebrations in Hyderabad.
He noted that agreements signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos had attracted investments worth ₹1.78 lakh crore, creating nearly 50,000 jobs.
India’s 76th Republic Day was marked by patriotic fervor, cultural displays, and key policy announcements.
While states showcased their achievements and outlined development agendas, security incidents in Assam underscored lingering challenges.
The nation’s unity and resolve were evident in celebrations across diverse regions, reflecting its progress and aspirations.