The 74th Republic Day celebrations held in New Delhi on January 26, 2023, were dominated by the theme Nari Shakti. It was also the first Republic Day for the youngest president of India, Droupadi Murmu, who assumed office last year.

Several states and departments, alongside the armed forces, took the opportunity to represent women’s power in the grandest and most powerful ways.

From Captain Yashika Tyagi, the first woman veteran to salute the President at Kartavya Path, to Lieutenant Chetana Sharma, who led the Made in India Akash surface-to-air missile system— there were several glorious displays. Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy was the contingent commander for IAF, and Lieutenant Commander Disha Amrith led the naval contingent.

For the first time, Border Security Force (BSF) had women as part of the camel contingent. The Assam Rifles had 72 riflewomen and 72 riflemen, representing the need for equal opportunity. The CRPF had an all-women contingent led by Assistant Commandant Poonam Gupta.

Many tableaux by the state presented the glory of women like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala. They depicted national award winners like Karthyayani Amma, the legendary Avaiyyar, Bharat Ratna recipient MS Subbulakshmi, Sulagitti Narasamma, Vriksha Maate Tulsi Gowda Halakki, and Salumarada Timmakka from the Southern states.

The cultural extravaganza ‘Vande Bharatam: Nari Shakti’, comprising dancers from different states showcased the power of women and the five elements. The first-ever Delhi Police women’s pipe band comprised 35 of them.

Lieutenant Dimple Bhati from the Corps of Signals wowed everyone standing on the motorcycle seat.