On January 26th this year, India’s 67th Republic Day, the country will witness something unique — a foreign contingent marching with Indian troops in the Republic Day parade. French President Francois Hollande is this year’s chief guest. While the Indian and French heads of state oversee the celebrations, Indian and French troops will together march down Rajpath.
A 56-member French contingent of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 7th Armoured Brigade is already in Rajasthan to take part in a joint exercise. Known as “Shakti 2016”, it will focus on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency. The 35th Infantry Regiment has a number of battle honours to its credit and is over 400 hundred years old — it was raised in 1604 in Lorraine, France.
Did You Know???
- January 26, 1930 was earlier celebrated as India’s Independence Day or Purna Swaraj Day. It’s the day India decided to fight for complete freedom.
- After we achieved Independence on August 15 in 1947, our leaders wanted January 26 to be remembered in history as well.
- The first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 1950, three years after we got independence.
- The first R-Day parade at Rajpath was held in 1955.
- A Christian song, Abide With Me, is played at the Republic Day Parade. It is believed to be one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite songs.
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar took 2 years and 11 months to draft the Indian Constitution.
- A majority of national awards such as Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan and Kirti Chakra are awarded during the Republic Day ceremony.
