Amidst the annual celebration of unity in diversity on Republic Day, a powerful message resonated across Kartavya Path: women are not just the heart of the nation, but the backbone of its progress.
Republic Day celebrations this year showered special attention to Nari Shakti, celebrating the progress women have made in every field and demonstrating the role they can play in the country’s progress. From marching contingents and the symbolic tableaux, the focus on women’s empowerment was the highlight of the grand parade in recognising the strength, resilience, and transformative power of its women.
The Republic Day parade showcased a 148-member all-women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), marching proudly, showing their contribution in law and order duties as well as national security. The contingent was led by assistant commandant Aishwarya Joy M.
The Delhi Police all-women band made its second consecutive appearance at the parade under the leadership of bandmaster Ruyangunuo Kense.
Republic Day also showcased India’s commitment to women's education and empowerment. The Ministry of Women and Child Development’s tableau was centred on "Motherhood, Life Cycle Continuum Approach, and Women-Led Development," highlighting the holistic approach towards their growth and betterment from childhood to adulthood. This tableau, through its depiction, focused on the role of education for girls through ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and other initiatives to ensure girls' education and the empowerment of women.
Jharkhand’s tableau also took its theme to the next step by showcasing girls using laptops, symbolising the growing access to education, particularly for tribal communities.
The tableau also depicted women engaged in crafts, such as Sohrai murals, which celebrates both the economic and cultural empowerment of women. It was vivid portrayal of how education and heritage can empower women to preserve their roots while simultaneously carving paths to newer opportunities.
The Ministry of Rural Development, in its tableau, also showcased its "Lakhpati Didi" scheme, which aims to provide a minimum income of Rs 1 lakh for self-help group members. This scheme has transformed the lives of countless women, enabling them to earn a livelihood and contribute to their families’ economic well-being.
The tableau’s depiction of women involved in agriculture, weaving, and other economic activities highlighted the importance of women’s financial independence in building a progressive society.
The celebrations led by President Droupadi Murmu were, therefore, not just limited to highlighting their role in ensuring progress but also driving home the fact that women are holding key positions today and progress can only be achieved when women are given equal opportunities to lead, create, and transform.
