Republic Day 2025, marked the 76th anniversary of the Indian Constitution's adoption. Celebrated on Sunday the remarkable event paid homage to India's rich cultural heritage and social progress. The theme for Republic Day 2025 was "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" (Golden India: Legacy and Progress).
The parade featured Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries and delegates, the Indian Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, and over 5,000 artists performing cultural dances and songs.
Held at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi and led over 18 marching contingents and 31 tableaux. During the procession, the Indian Air Force conducted a spectacular fly-past with 40 aircraft, including advanced jets like the Rafael and Su-30. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.
The 76h Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path highlighted women's empowerment featuring several women-led contingents and tableau signifying women's growing participation in defense and security forces. Let us know in detail about those contingents and tableaux that made people proud during the event.
Women-led Contingents at Republic Day 2025 Parade
Women CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force): 
The CRPF Mahila Contingent, led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M, was a significant part of the 76th Republic Day Parade in 2025. The contingent showcasing the spirit of 'Nari Shakti', comprised 148 members. These women-drawn units participated in various operations, including anti-insurgency, anti-Naxal, and law and order duties across the country. The presence of this all-women contingent signifies the increasing role of women in India's defense and security forces, breaking traditional gender barriers and inspiring future generations.
Women-led Delhi Police Band: 
The Delhi Police all-women band, led by Band Master Ruyangunuo Kense, participated in the Republic Day 2025 celebrations at the Kartavya Path. The band, consisting of talented female musicians, has been a symbol of women's empowerment and excellence in music. The Band Master Ruyangunuo ensures that the performances with the ambitious female musicians are of the highest standard and maintain their musical prowess. Driven with utmost dedication and expertise, the Delhi Police Brass and Pipe Band comprises 4 women sub-inspectors and 64 women constables who have undergone rigorous training to perform at high-profile events. The band has participated in the parade for two consecutive years, showcasing India's cultural diversity and encouraging young girls and women.
Girls NCC (National Cadet Corps): 
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) girls' contingent, led by Senior Officer Ekta Kumari and co-commanded by cadets Madesh Ashok and Ankita Kumari, aimed to develop leadership, discipline, and responsibility among young women in India. The contingent marched at the Kartavya Path, composed of women from various educational institutions, who have undergone rigorous training in drill, physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid, and adventure activities. They have participated in national-level camps, community service initiatives, and adventure activities. Many former cadets excel in various fields, reflecting high standards of training and discipline.
Ekta Kumari from Jammu and Kashmir became the first cadet from J&K to lead the All India Girls Contingent. She is inspired by her father's military service and excelled in social work and adventure activities.
Women-led Tableaux at Republic Day 2025 Parade
WCD Ministry Tableau: 
The Ministry of Women and Child Development showcased a tableau at the 76th Republic Day Parade, focusing on "Motherhood, Life Cycle Continuum Approach, and Women-led Development." The tableau featured a mother cradling her child, highlighting the mother's pivotal role as a first educator, and another image of a girl child's journey growing up to adulthood, highlighting the support provided by various schemes. It also featured women excelling in various fields, including science, technology, medicine, administration, and artificial intelligence. It further highlighted the multifaceted journey of women and children under the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Shakti Swaroop initiative's significance. The tableau emphasized the importance of empowered women as the backbone of a strong nation and the significance of women in the nation's progress with the spirit of "Sashakt Naari, Sashakt Bharat."
Jharkhand Tableau: 
The Parade at Kartavya Path also witnessed Jharkhand's tableau with the theme "Swarnim Jharkhand: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress" beautifully showcased the state's rich cultural heritage, modern development, and educational infrastructure. Featuring two girls using laptops, and rural women engaged in crafting traditional handicrafts, the tableau was designed with Sohrai murals, reflecting the state's connection to nature and spirituality. The tableau also showcased the Tata Steel plant in Jamshedpur, India's industrial legacy, and the Jaduguda uranium plant, highlighting the state's role in nuclear energy. It also featured the Chhau dance of Seraikela, a mythological art form in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Rural Development Ministry: 
The tableau of the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme by the Rural Development Ministry showcased at the 76th R-Day parade, aiming to empower women by ensuring a minimum annual income of Rs 1 lakh for members of Self-Help Groups. The tableau featured a Lakhpati Didi statue holding a bundle of money showcasing self-sufficiency, scenes of women engaged in economic activities including handicrafts, agriculture, and weaving, showcasing entrepreneurship, girls holding books and women using computers symbolized literacy and adaptation of modern technology, and motifs of rural India showcasing pottery, local crafts, and fora were placed in the tableau. Around 300 women from SHGs attended the parade.
