The Unique Blend of Republic Day 2024

As we get ready to celebrate India's 75th Republic Day on January 26, it's a perfect time to look back at the amazing journey we've had. Over these 75 years, we've achieved a lot in science, space, tech, economy, education, and making society more fair. But, you know, we still have more to do. So, on this Republic Day, let's be proud of what we've learned and accomplished in these 75 years and keep aiming for a brighter future. Happy Republic Day, everyone!

Guess what's making a comeback after a long break?

The 75th Republic Day Parade is turning into a nostalgic treat with President Droupadi Murmu ditching the usual fancy car for an old-school horse-pulled buggy on Kartavya Path. It's been a good four decades since this happened and the excitement is real. The Presidents' Bodyguard (PBG) regiment is going all out to make this a grand affair, adding a touch of history to our celebration. Imagine this the President cruising down Kartavya Path, surrounded by soldiers in striking red uniforms riding majestic horses. Now, that's a sight to behold! The prep at the PBG regiment on Mother Teresa Road spills the beans on how they're bringing back this classic move.

I heard that the polishing has to be perfect – not just on the buggy but also on the metal steps and the canopy. It's all about the details, you know. Picking the soldiers for this gig is no joke. They have to rock scarlet uniforms and ride two bay-colored horses, and getting that role is like winning a tough contest. The horses, bred at the Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps depots, are also in on the action. They go through some serious training to get used to all kinds of sounds, making sure they look cool during the parade.

Amit Berwal, the big boss at PBG, brags about his team being top-notch cavalry horse riders, trained tank experts, and fearless paratroopers. These guys have been serving top dogs since forever and are a big deal at Rashtrapati Bhavan. One of the soldiers, Risaldar Mahipal Singh, who's over six feet tall, says every hour spent on the saddle is worth it. The horses Pratap, Bheem, Paras, and the newbie Abhimanyu – get special training and build unique bonds with their riders. Fun fact of these PBG horses are not just for show; they've bagged over 75 medals in horse sports. Talk about versatile!

Did you hear about the international shout-outs? 

French President Macron called PM Modi a dear friend and is all hyped up about celebrating Republic Day together. Despite some tension, the ex-President of Maldives sent good vibes, Aussie PM Albanese is all about celebrating friendship, and even the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, gave a thumbs up to India's Constitution. Canada, in the midst of some diplomatic drama, still managed to wish India a happy 75th Republic Day. It's like the whole world is joining in the celebration!

Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade, just unveiled some exciting plans to boost the number of Indian students studying in France. Brace yourself for this ambitious goal they're aiming for over 30,000 Indian students in France by 2030, and Macron is dead set on making it happen. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he spilled the beans on the game plan. Get this – they're setting up international classes, making it a breeze for students who don't speak French to dive into French university life. And that's not all – they're expanding Alliances françaises (fancy term, huh?) to make learning French even more accessible. Plus, the cherry on top – the visa process is getting a major upgrade for former Indian students who've already experienced the French study scene. Looks like France is rolling out the red carpet for Indian students, making studying abroad sound like a pretty sweet deal. Exciting times ahead for those eyeing a French adventure! 

So, as we gear up for the 75th Republic Day Parade with its vintage vibes and global shout-outs, let's soak in the uniqueness of our celebration. It's not just a parade; it's a journey through time, a salute to traditions, and a global nod to our vibrant democracy.