Republic Day 2025: Unveiling Legacy and Development, Delhi transformed into a military cantonment, with soldiers from all three branches of the military and millions of paramilitary forces. Yet, the President sat under the shadow of fear. Along with that, the Ashoka Chakra was absent from the seat.
Townhall Times: This year, India celebrates 75 years of becoming a republic under the special theme “Golden India: Development and Heritage.” However, after seeing the entire procession and its arrangements, there is a sense of disappointment. The most striking part was that, just like every year, Delhi was turned into a cantonment before this national festival. The special area of the event was surrounded by the three branches of the military, and the paramilitary forces and the army also encircled it. Despite being surrounded by millions of people, the President sat behind bulletproof glass. The reason appeared to be security, but it raises the question: How did the President, surrounded by millions, become unsafe on Republic Day? Why was there such visible fear in the police administration? Did they not trust their security arrangements? This could be a big issue, or it might be nothing at all.
This year, 16 states, union territories, and 15 central ministries displayed their tableaux in line with the theme. The Republic Day parade showcased the culture and achievements of various states through these tableaux. Let’s take a look at the highlights of these tableaux.
Theme: Golden India: Development and Heritage
Looking at Uttar Pradesh’s tableau, it only highlighted the Kumbh Mela, implying that in the past 75 years, Uttar Pradesh has not achieved anything in knowledge, science, or research.
Next, Karnataka’s tableau showed a Buddha statue, misrepresented as a Brahmanical deity. The question arises: what was the purpose of showcasing this statue on this occasion?
Now, take a look at the CPWD’s tableau, which displayed the Constitution and a wheel, named the “Wheel of Time.” But if you look closely, this wheel resembles the Dharma Chakra and the Ashoka Chakra, with the lion insignia intact. Since the BJP government came into power,
national symbols have been defaced. The Ashoka Chakra has been split into two parts, and this emblem, without any lion, is now placed in Parliament and various locations across the country. It’s a contradiction: on one hand, they show love for the Constitution, and on the other, they are destroying its symbols.
Madhya Pradesh
The tableau featured foreign animals, many of which are now extinct. So, under BJP’s governance for over 20 years, has this been their only achievement? Why wasn’t any of BJP’s 20 years in power showcased?
Bihar
The situation here is similar: no youth power, no employment, no education, no knowledge, no science.
Haryana
Aside from the support, the only achievements shown are the medals won by girls. “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” has been completely ignored. Apart from the mythological message of the Mahabharata, there’s nothing else to show as a major achievement.
Andhra Pradesh
The tableau displayed wooden toys.
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