A coffee table book with rare R-Day pics

New Delhi, January 20

A colourful coffee table book that chronicles the grand parade, music and display of military prowess on Republic Day was released today.

The 300-page book, “The Grandeur of the Republic Day Celebrations—India a Kaleidoscope of Cultural and Military Heritage”, is embellished with some rare black and white pictures of the first Republic Day parade and how it was conducted in an era when security concerns were few.

A picture shows how excited crowds thronged the Connaught Place to get a glimpse of the parade in earlier days. It also has pictures of families of Param Vir Chakra (highest gallantry award) awardees receiving the award, indicating the Ministry of Defence archives have been well researched.

The book showcases the change in the nature of the parade and how foreign contingents have started participating in it. It chronicles the events from 1950 to 2017 and how the celebrations commence with the ceremonial parade that honours the date on which the country’s constitution came into effect and concludes with the spectacular Beating Retreat. 

As the President, who is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, takes the salute, the parade showcases the country’s military might and is also a kaleidoscope of its amazing cultural heritage and diversity.

Introducing readers to the celebrations, this book takes off from the period in which Indian Republic was formed, giving a glimpse into the history of the armed forces, Army regiments—many of which were originally raised during early British rule—and, of course, the colourful tableaux that display the art and culture of states, prominent tourist places, historical sites and the country’s achievements in various spheres. — TNS