Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, January 26, paid tribute to India’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi as the country marked its 77th Republic Day.
Arriving at the memorial in the morning, the prime minister observed a moment of silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The solemn ceremony, which traditionally marks the beginning of Republic Day observances, took place ahead of the main celebrations in the capital.
The two-minute silence concluded with the sounding of the “Rouse” by buglers, signalling the end of the remembrance. The ceremony formally ended after the Guard Commander issued the “Salami Shastra” command. Before departing, the prime minister signed the Visitors’ Book and then proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path.
Situated within the India Gate complex, the National War Memorial was inaugurated by Modi in 2019. It commemorates Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in conflicts including the 1962 India-China war, the India-Pakistan wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971, the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Attention later in the day shifts to Kartavya Path, where the grand Republic Day parade is scheduled to begin at 10.30 am. This year’s celebrations are themed “150 years of Vande Mataram”, highlighting India’s development journey, cultural diversity and military strength.
The parade will feature an elaborate defence display, cultural performances, and colourful tableaux presented by states and central ministries. Chief guests from the European Council are also expected to attend, lending a diplomatic dimension to the event.
India celebrates Republic Day annually on January 26 to mark the adoption of the Constitution, which came into effect on this day in 1950, formally establishing the nation as a republic.
