New Delhi, January 26, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the commencement of Republic Day celebrations by paying homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Prime Minister laid a wreath in memory of the fallen soldiers, honoring their ultimate sacrifice.
Commander Amit Rathi of the Inter-Services Guard led the ceremonial tribute, which included a 21-guard salute and a solemn “arms reverse” order. The atmosphere turned emotional as the poignant notes of the Last Post played, followed by two minutes of silence in remembrance.
Revival of a Tradition
For the first time in 40 years, an old tradition was revived, where President Droupadi Murmu and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, the Chief Guest, were escorted to Kartavya Path in a traditional carriage by the President’s Bodyguard, the Army’s oldest regiment.
At Kartavya Path, PM Modi warmly welcomed President Murmu and the Indonesian President. The President led the Republic Day ceremony by hoisting the national flag, with the national anthem echoing as a 21-gun salute was fired using the indigenously developed 105 mm light field gun.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, and other dignitaries graced the occasion, adding to the significance of the event.
