Tableaus of 16 states and Union Territories, nine central ministries and departments, and the three wings of the armed forces on Friday rolled out on Kartavya Path amid loud cheers from the audience that gathered to witness the 75th Republic Day parade in the national capital.
The tableau India’s rising military might with an impressive display of assets as their Republic Day tableaux complemented the dominant theme of ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Atmanirbharta’. Highlighting India’s growing prowess in shipbuilding, the Indian Navy tableau depicted the imposing indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and highly capable escort ships INS Delhi, INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik, the LCA, the ALH and the Kalvari-class submarine.
The Navy tableau’s theme was ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Atmanirbharta’.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprised 144 airmen and four officers and was led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur. The IAF tableau depicted its overall theme of ‘Bharatiya Vayu Dena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar’ or ‘Indian Air Force: Potent, Powerful and Self-reliant’. The frontage showed a symbolic representation of a C-295 transport aircraft being flown by two women aircrew in the cockpit.
Veterans’ tableau
The role played by armed forces’ veterans during and after their service was depicted in a tableau with the theme — “Rashtra Nirman – Pehle Bhi, Ab Bhi, Aage bhi aur Hamesha”.
The front part of the tableau depicted a major phase in the lives of armed forces personnel, when they “gallantly defended our country at all costs”, read a description about the tableau in an official booklet. The central part of the tableau showcased the role of armed forces personnel after their retirement from active service.
DRDO tableau
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s tableau depicted women empowerment and was led by renowned scientist Sunita Jena. Women’s involvement in the areas of research and development was showcased in the tableau themed on “Women Power in protecting the nation by providing the defence technologies in all five dimensions.” Models of systems developed by the DRDO were displayed on the tableau including the key MPATGM, AGNI-5 and ASAT missiles.
Arunachal Pradesh
The state’s tableau showcased its Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a 17 square kilometre biodiversity hotspot created in 2017. In the tractor portion, the new species of bird called Bugun Liocichla and other birds from the reserve in natural vegetation was depicted. The trailer portion was led by the Bugun folk dance, visiting tourists while adventure sports is depicted in the rear portion.
Manipur
Manipur’s tableau showcased the women-run Ima Keithel, also known as the Mother’s Market. The 500-year-old Ima Keithel is the only market in the world run entirely by women. Based on the theme “Thambal Gi langla – Lotus Threads”, the tableau depicted women extracting delicate fibre from lotus stems and making yarn using traditional spinning wheels. In the centre, the float depicted a woman weaving clothes using “Eyong” – a traditional Manipuri loom. There was a replica of the Ima Keithel building at the rear end of the float.
Madhya Pradesh
The state’s portrayed self-reliant and progressive women of the state. The float illustrated the progressive journey of women in the state through self-help groups, local leadership and representation even in the aviation sector. The front part of the tableau showed the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force, Avani Chaturvedi of Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district, besides a fighter plane model. The middle part featured women artists painting pots, the Badal Mahal gate and weavers of the globally renowned Chanderi, Maheshwari and Bagh print sarees. The lower section of the tableau showcased a stone carving crafted by a female artist and a mural painted by Gond tribal artist ‘Padma Shri’ Durga Bai. The rear part of the tableau featured India’s Millet Mission ambassador and ‘Millet Woman of India Lahari Bai from the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. Murals of women made from millets adorned the lower portion of the float. Also seen around the tableau were women from the Malwa region performing folk dances, embodying the vibrant culture of the state.
Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh’s tableau depicted the 600-year-old tribal tradition of community decision-making in the state’s Bastar region. The tableau depicted the ancient tribal form of Parliament in Bastar known as “Muria Darbar”. The rear side of the tableau depicted a place called “Limau Raja”, situated in Bade Dongar, the ancient capital of Bastar. According to folklore, in ancient times, where there were no kings, the tribal community used to make decisions amongst themselves by placing a lemon on a throne made of stones. This tradition later took the form of the “Muria Darbar”. The tableau was decorated with “bell-metal and terracotta artefacts” to depict the traditional arts and crafts.
Ladakh
Ladakh’s tableau symbolised the Union Territory’s journey of progress with an emphasis on women empowerment. The tractor part of the tableau featured girls playing ice hockey in the snow, illustrating the journey of women empowerment in the Union territory. The float depicted a village in the front, highlighting how Ladakh is trying to improve life by providing people with electricity, good education and sustainable resources. It also depicted homes with solar panels, emblematic of the region’s progressive initiatives. The middle part of the float showed Ladakhi people involved in different economic activities like making apricot jam and sea buckthorn juice and crafting wooden articles. The last part of the float depicted a high hill in Ladakh, with the world’s highest motorable road at Umling-La pass. Both sides of the float featured women from different tribes of the region, including Ladakhi, Balti, Purgi, Sheena, Brokpa or Aryan and Changpa among others.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu’s tableau highlighted the historical significance of the Kudavolai electoral system, which emerged during the 10th century Chola era and marked an early stride towards democracy. The tractor section of the tableau featured a sculptural representation of the selection process. The trailer segment illustrated the selection process and the crafting of the Village Development Plan. The tableau also featured a scale model of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur where the Kudavolai system is practised, showcasing its integration into the local culture.
Odisha
The tableau of Odisha showcased women empowerment in the state as well as its rich handicraft and handloom sector. The central part of the tableau highlighted women’s involvement in the handicraft and handloom sector through live demonstrations and acknowledged women’s adaptation to technology by showing them engaging in cashless transactions and e-platform marketing. A big umbrella on the tableau denoted the support of the central and state governments to artisans under the “Viksit Bharat” programme. The rear portion featured a heritage hut of Raghurajpur village, where women play a pivotal role in crafting Pattachitra and masks. The “War Horse of Konark Temple” symbolised Odisha’s rapid progress in shaping a developed India. The divine elephant “Kandarpa Hasti” on the tableau symbolised the dedication of Odisha’s women to “Viksit Bharat”, paralleling the devotion of Gopis to Lord Sri Krishna.
Meghalaya
The Meghalaya tableau showcased an enchanting display of the state’s cherry blossoms, transforming the landscape into a canvas awash in delicate shades of pink. Transitioning, the tableau plunged into a unique freshwater scuba diving site along the Umngot river in Dawki. Divers emerged from crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant aquatic life, highlighting the state’s lesser-known yet captivating adventure offerings. The tableau also delved into Meghalaya’s timeless caves, illuminated by stalactites and stalagmites. It also highlighted the state’s rich reserve, displaying its flora, and endemic species like the clouded leopard. Finally, the tableau celebrated community-led cleanliness initiatives in Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh’s tableau showcased the “transformation” of the school education in the state with the reforms brought in by the government. The front part of the tableau displayed the old system of education with students sitting in a village classroom with slates and a teacher taking the class. Its rear side displayed the concept of a modern play-school with children on either side. It also displayed a science lab with students there. The tableau also displayed a digital classroom with interactive panels and smart TV, with an arch showing bilingual textbooks, science articles and mathematical instruments.
Rajasthan
Themed on “Viksit Bharat Main – Padharo Mahare Desh…Rajasthan”, the tableau sought to promote the state’s tourism potential, with the “ghoomar” dance form representation adorning the front and the rear featuring a decorated camel icon. A statue of Meera Bai, a symbol of devotion and power, was displayed in the rear end of the tableau. The tableau had models of two camels adorned with ‘Gorband’, depicting the legacy of the ‘Camel Utsav’ held every year in Rajasthan.
Telangana
Telangana’s tableau honoured the legacy of tribal freedom fighters like Komaram Bheem, Ramji Gond and Chityalallamma (Chakalillamma). Komaram Bheem and Ramji Gond stood tall, advocating for the freedom, dignity, and rights of indigenous tribal communities. They employed guerrilla warfare tactics to garner broad support and spread a powerful message of empowerment and justice encapsulated in the rallying cry “Jal, Jangal, Zameen (water, forest, land)”.
Isro
The landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the south pole of the Moon and the Aditya L-1 mission to study the Sun found a prominent place in Indian Space Research Organisation’s (Isro) tableau. The tableau also showcased the participation of women scientists in its various missions. The tableau had a model of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 that took Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon from Sriharikota. The lunar landing site of the spacecraft which was named Shiv Shakti Point was also featured. The tableau illustrated the successful Aditya L-1 mission to study the Sun as well as future missions such as Gaganyaan and Bhartiya Antariksh Station among others. Also depicted on the tableau were ancient astronomers and space pioneers such as Aryabhatta and Varahamihir.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
The purple revolution unfolding in the lavender fields of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir found a proud place on the tableau of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The tableau, decked with lavender flowers, narrated the story of development of an elite variety of lavender at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine at Jammu, its cultivation, and its processing to produce essential oils, perfumes and incense sticks. The tableau also showcased India’s first women-friendly compact electric tractor developed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur.
Uttar Pradesh
An artistic image of Ram Lalla whose new idol was recently consecrated at a grand temple in Ayodhya was the showpiece of Uttar Pradesh’s tableau. It also depicted the first-ever operational high-speed regional rapid transit system (RRTS) of the country. The front portion of the tableau symbolically represented the consecration ceremony that took place in Ayodhya on January 22, with an artistic model depicting Lord Ram in a young avatar holding a bow and arrow. The trailer featured two sadhus with a “kalash” symbol, emblematic of the upcoming Magh Mela in Prayagraj and the Mahakumbh to be held in 2025. An LED screen mounted on the tableau displayed the fast-paced construction work of the world’s fourth largest international airport — Jewar Airport. Alongside was the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturing factory operating from Noida and extensive expressway network of the state. A group of women artistes accompanying the tableau perform traditional dances ‘Charkula’ and ‘Wadhwa, popular in the Braj region. It also illustrated how the folk festival inspired by the “leelas” of Lord Krishna is an integral aspect of the cultural heritage.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
India leveraging the power of artificial intelligence in healthcare, logistics and education to further social empowerment was the theme of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Republic Day parade tableau. The tractor portion of the tableau showcased a “female robot”, while the base of the tractor depicted a 3D scale model of a chip. The front of the float portrayed the role of artificial intelligence in the health sector. The middle portion depicted use of artificial intelligence in logistics for identification and segregation of parcels based on colour coding. The rear portion depicted the role of artificial intelligence in education while the bottom portion depicted the application of artificial intelligence in monitoring cattle health and helping visually impaired persons navigate.
Gujarat
Located on India’s western tip, Dhordo, the gateway to the Rann of Kutch, was the theme of Gujarat’s tableau. The tableau presented the border village as the global icon of Gujarat’s tourism development. Known as the gateway to the picturesque white Rann, Dhordo celebrates its traditional handicrafts, folk music and the annual Rann Utsav. The tableau also featured the distinctive ‘bhunga’ houses of Dhordo, local handicrafts, Rogan art, Rann Utsav, Tent City. Women dressed in traditional attire played garba as the tableau rolled down the Kartavya Path. The tableau also featured a scene depicting a foreign tourist in traditional attire making a digital payment, symbolising the technological advancements in the border village.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to strengthen port-led development through the Sagarmala programme and “Nari Shakti” in the maritime sector were showcased in the tableau of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The flagship programme of the ministry has helped reduce turn-around time, thereby increasing the cargo handling efficiency at ports.
The front portion of the tableau portrayed the commitment of the ministry to provide opportunities to women. The centre part of the tableau showcased achievements of port efficiency and capacity augmentation through port modernisation initiatives under the Sagarmala programme. The rear portion of the tableau highlighted the initiatives of the ministry towards development of lighthouses and cruise tourism.
Ministry of External Affairs
The successful hosting of the G20 Summit and India’s achievements during its presidency of the powerful grouping were showcased in the Ministry of External Affairs tableau. The front part of the float featured the Nalanda Maha Vihara, surmounted by the G20 Logo. The trailer also showcased the major achievements based on presidency priorities. The Indian presidency’s decision to make the African Union a full member was shown by joining of hands in the “Namaste mudra”. One hand depicted the Indian flag and the other that of the African Union.
It also showcased the Bharat Mandapam where the G-20 presidency culminated with the leaders’ summit, which unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration.
Election Commission
The Election Commission’s tableau on Friday was based on the theme “India–Mother of Democracy”. The tableau depicted the conduct of free, fair, inclusive, accessible and participative elections in the country. The front of the tableau shows an inked finger pressing a button to cast a vote on an electronic voting machine (EVM). People from different sections of society were depicted standing in a queue, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country. In the rear portion of the tableau, the Election Commission’s effort towards “No voter to be left behind” was showcased.
Rajasthan
The tableau gave a demonstration of the development of women’s handicraft industries, and a glimpse of the cultural and architectural legacy of the state. The tableau was fronted by a display of the state’s famous ‘ghoomar’ dance – a traditional dance practised by the women of Rajasthan during festivals. A statue of Meera Bai, a symbol of devotion and power, was displayed in the rear part of the tableau. The rear part of the tableau housed a decorated icon of a camel, the ship of the desert. A mannequin of a man in traditional attire personified the rural life in Rajasthan. On the other hand, there was a Rajasthani woman in traditional costume riding on a camel’s back. The tableau also acted as a stage to 10 folk dancers performing ‘ghoomar,’ moving to ‘gorband’ songs played with various folk instruments.
Ministry of Culture
The culture ministry’s tableau carried replicas of Dr B R Ambedkar handing over the Constitution to the country’s first president Rajendra Prasad, as well as ancient symbols that championed the democratic ethos. The tableau was based on the theme ‘Bharat: Mother of Democracy’.
Maharashtra
Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of ‘self-rule’ and respect for women in his ‘kingdom of the people’ formed the highlight of Maharashtra’s tableau. The tableau depicted Rajmata Jijabai giving lessons in governance and politics to a younger Shivaji. The tableau depicted Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan Mandal, with some women seen raising their concerns in a court. The backend of the tableau depicted Chhatrapati Shivaji, Rajmata Jijabai and other courtiers with forts and the royal seal in the background. The tableau also showed the edict of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his royal insignia.
Haryana
Haryana’s tableau highlighted the state’s ambitious “Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan” scheme that seeks to realise the dream of a developed India. The tableau symbolised the state’s striving for modernity with depiction of a rustic woman holding a digital device. The tableau also flaunted its agricultural clout, having on display the message that it is the producer of 12 million metric tons of wheat. The rear section of the tableau highlighted the benefits of the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ through a phone such as the seamless procurement of ration, agricultural subsidies for farmer families, scholarships for young students, and pensions for the elderly.
Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s tableau showcased the skill of tribal women in the production of Tasar silk with depictions of Tasar moth rearing, cocoon production, weaving and the modern journey of Tasar garments from design to global distribution. Complemented by the state’s cultural troupe, the performance exuded the vibrant spirit of Jharkhand through the “jhumar” folk dance and indigenous music.
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