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100 Women Artistes to Commence Republic Day Parade with Traditional Instruments
23rd January, New Delhi: The Ministry of Culture conducted a press conference at the National Media Centre to discuss the 75th Republic Day tableau. Present at this conference were Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi, Union Minister of State for Culture; Mr. Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture; Mrs. Uma Nanduri, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture; Mrs. Amita Prasad Sarabhai, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture; Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts; Mrs. Dr. Sandhya Purecha, President of Sangeet Natak Academy; and Mrs. Beena Yadav, Additional Director General (Media and Communications) of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi stated that, for the first time, 100 women artists in the costumes of their respective states will commence the parade on the themes ‘Vikshit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘India: Mother of Democracy'( Bharat: Loktantra Ki Jannee), playing conch shells, drums, and other traditional instruments. Additionally, for the first time, 1,500 women artists from 30 states will present folk and classical dances. Along with this, about 1,900 sarees from all the states will be displayed on the duty path.
Shri Govind Mohan, in his opening comments, highlighted a move towards more inclusive representation. He stated, “Aligned with the government’s philosophy, we aim to strengthen the integration of cultural elements in the customary observance of Republic Day and Republic Week. Traditionally centred on showcasing the country’s military capabilities, this focus remains uncompromised. Government policies now involve a heightened presentation of our nation’s diverse culture. He reiterated that this time, the cultural display is anticipated to be on a grander scale, showcasing a wider array of artistic and cultural expressions. The approach will involve extensive engagement across all regions of the country, fostering deeper connections with its people. The objective is to effectively convey the message of “Unity in Diversity,” encapsulated in the motto ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ which stands as the bedrock and foundational policy of overall governance.
Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Secretary of the Sangeet Natak Academy, informed us that the Republic Day parade always begins with the military band. However, this time, female artists will inaugurate the parade along with traditional musical instruments. These female artists have been practising dance presentations for the past month.
Amita Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Union Culture Ministry, mentioned that the 75th Republic Day commenced with Parakram Diwas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on Tuesday, January 23, at the Red Fort premises. Programmes will run for seven days at the Red Fort. The choice of this location is due to Netaji’s connections with the Red Fort. Lalit Kala Academy and the National Archives are organising various exhibitions. Essential documents related to Subhash Chandra Bose Netaji’s life, including letters and audio speeches, are on display. Sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik will also be present. Additionally, a 270-degree theatre has been constructed for watching videos of his life, scripted by Atul Tiwari. The programmes will continue until January 31.
Simultaneously, she conveyed that this time, a special exhibition titled ‘Anant Sutra’ is underway on the Kartavyapath. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts is the nodal agency for this exhibition, arranged on both sides of the Kartavyapath. We are paying homage to women’s power through the ‘Anant Sutra’. Notably, a ‘QR code’ has been provided. Upon scanning, one will directly access the website of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, to obtain information about the saree. A 150-year-old saree, showcasing the Kota Panthi art form of Kashmir and Punjab, will also be on display.
Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, highlighted that the Ministry of Culture’s tableau theme this time is ‘Mother of Democracy.’ He mentioned that extensive research by the Ministry of Culture on the theme ‘Mother of Democracy’ is reflected in the artwork of the new Parliament building. The first trailer of the tableau will illustrate the adherence to democratic traditions since the Vedic period or earlier, featuring a replica of Ashoka’s inscription of Junagadh. He further added, that we’ve showcased an image on our second tractor, depicting Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, presenting the Constitution to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Chairman of the Constitution Committee. Celebrating the 75th year of the Indian Republic, it’s apt to revisit this historic moment. Additionally, we have a unique presentation, likely being shown on Kartavyapath for the first time. The tableau’s uniqueness lies in presenting content through 3-D technology known as ‘anamorphic.’ It will depict the evolution of democracy, showcasing the transition from traditional ballots to EVMs.
