Rashtrapati Bhavan decked up on the occasion of Republic Day (Express photo by Amit Mehra)Republic Day Parade 2022, Flag Hosting Highlights: The Rashtrapati Bhavan was decorated with colourful lights and a laser show was on display on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the country’s first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade. She is only the second woman fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau. Singh, who is from Varanasi, joined the IAF in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF’s second batch of women fighter pilots. She had been flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft before flying the Rafale. She is part of the IAF’s Golden Arrows squadron based out of Ambala in Punjab.
The 73rd Republic Day parade also featured its biggest-yet fly-past, with 75 aircraft from all three services on display. For the first time in its history, the parade began half an hour later than usual, due to low visibility and fog. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial on Wednesday morning, where he paid homage to the armed forces personnel who were killed in action. He was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three defence forces.
With the parade taking place under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic yet again, strict guidelines have been imposed for those attending. Those attending must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and children below 15 years of age will not be allowed to attend the function. Visitors must carry proof of vaccination and must adhere to all Covid-protocols, such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
Contingent seen at the full dress rehearsals for the Republic Day 2022 parade while following Covid-19 protocols, on Sunday, January 23, 2022. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)
As India celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav — the 75th year as an independent nation — culture played a leading role in the Republic Day parade.
The parade, held under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence every year, also had the active participation of the Ministry of Culture this time. As the nodal ministry for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it organised Vande Bharatam in collaboration with the MoD as a countrywide dance competition, the winners of which got to perform at Rajpath as part of the main parade.
The Vande Bharatam Nritya Utsav saw participation in four categories: classical, folk, tribal and fusion/contemporary. A total of 480 dancers were selected from 3,870 in the all-India dance competition. The musical piece for the 12-minute performance was composed by Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej, in collaboration with Oscar contender tabla player Bickram Ghosh. Read more
As Republic Day celebrations came to an end at Delhi’s Rajpath, one of the President’s Bodyguards (PBG) was the centre of attention. The guard was none other than an elite dark-bay coloured horse named Virat, who retired soon after the parade.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh bid farewell to the horse, who has attended 13 Republic Day parades, and has been at the top of the PBG team, considered the most senior regiment of the Indian Army. Read more
On Republic Day eve on Tuesday evening, the sky over Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi lit up with vibrant drone formations.
In videos and images, the drones were first seen rising up in the sky in the colours of the Indian national flag. They then slowly formed a globe and rotated in the air—mirroring the earth’s movements. Soon, the globe seamlessly disintegrated into the map of India. The drones also formed the outline of the National War Memorial.
The pictures also show drones forming the words “75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” in saffron, white, and green. Read more
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday urged "well-wishers of inclusive India" to symbolise the Amar Jawan Jyoti by lighting a lamp tonight and on January 29.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished people on Republic Day and posted a picture of the Amar Jawan Jyoti at its erstwhile position at India Gate.
"On Republic Day in 1950, our country took the first step in the right direction with confidence. Salute to that first step of truth and equality. Greetings on Republic Day. Jai Hind," Gandhi tweeted along with the picture.
Tharoor also urged people to play Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn, "Abide With Me", in their homes at 7 pm on January 29, the day of Beating Retreat ceremony. The Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate was merged with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial (NWM) last Friday. (PTI)
A tableau of the then Bombay State was showcased during the first Republic Day celebrations held in New Delhi, and it depicted cultural diversity, sea port, built heritage and cinema of the region, according to a Mumbai-based architect, whose parents were part of the provincial troupe.
Audrey Baptista D'Souza, a resident of Vile Parle, and an archive enthusiast, said, she got to know about the event through old family pictures and oral history shared by her mother who was in her early 20s when she took part in it.
Ahead of the 73rd Republic Day celebrations on Rajpath, D'Souza shared some of the rare, black and white photographs from her family album on a Facebook group of old Bombay aficionados, and captioned them: "Daddy n Mummy in the tableau representing the state of Bombay in Delhi in the 1st Republic Day, 26th January 1950".
"My parents, Edwin Baptista and Rose Baptista, had gone to attend this historic event in Delhi as a committed couple, and would get married, ten yeas later in 1960. Though my father, who was born in 1926, died at a relatively younger age in 1983, my mother would tell me stories about the first Republic Day celebrations and of Bombay tableau, as it was called Bombay State then," she said. (PTI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday thanked several of his counterparts who extended greetings to him and the people of India on its 73rd Republic Day.
Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, in his message, described India as his country's "most trusted friend & closest neighbour". "May the long standing #MaldivesIndiaPartnership continue to flourish & thrive, delivering mutual benefits for our peoples," he tweeted.
Jaishankar thanked Shahid and said "our special friendship will continue to prosper".
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia and India are comprehensive strategic partners and they share many things -- democratic values, a national day and close economic and diaspora links. "Happy Republic Day to our Indian friends. Australia looks forward to continuing work with India on our shared vision for the #IndoPacific," she tweeted. (PTI)
Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana on Wednesday unfurled the national flag at official residence here on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day.
The flag hoisting ceremony at his Krishna Menon Marg residence was attended by several apex court officials and security personnel, an official said. The CJI attended the Republic Day Parade and was seen wearing a shawl gifted to him by a delegation from Nagaland.
In the 73rd Republic Day Parade, which was scaled down in view of the Covid pandemic, the country displayed its military might and vibrant cultural heritage on Rajpath with the grandest flypast with 75 aircraft to mark the 'Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav' celebrations. (PTI)
Locals perform traditional dance during Republic Day celebrations at Polo Ground, Leh
Drone formations at Vijay Chowk in Delhi on Republic Day.
Crowds at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday were curtailed to just 5,000 people, all double-masked, vaccinated and maintaining strict 'do gaz ki doori' in view of the COVID-19 situation. Only double vaccinated adults and children above the age of 15 who have taken at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were allowed to enter the venue.
Children below 15 years were not permitted to attend. Chairs were placed at a distance to ensure social distancing. Participants also received a white cap with 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' printed on it.
"I used to watch Republic Day every year on TV. This year I was visiting a friend here and didn't want to lose this opportunity to attend the historic parade taking place on the 75th year of independence," said Amrita Singh who travelled all the way from Ludhiana to attend the parade. For Ashmit Parekh, it was the last opportunity to see the parade in person before moving abroad this year.
"I know there is COVID-19 but I wanted to see the parade once," he said. Asked if he is scared of contracting the virus, Parekh said he is double vaccinated and taking all precautions. "Honestly it is much safer here with all the protocols in place" the IT professional said. (PTI)
The Army on Wednesday dedicated to people a 150-feet-high flagpole in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir to mark the Republic Day celebrations, a defence spokesman said. He said it will be the tallest flagpole in the union territory.
"On the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day, the Chinar Corps in collaboration with Punit Balan Group installed a 150-feet-high mast National Flag in the historic town of Shopian," the spokesman said.
He said installing the highest flagpole ushered in a new milestone in the history of south Kashmir. The second tallest flagpole is also located in Shopian district, the spokesman added.
"The foundation stone was laid on 18 October 2021 at Army Goodwill School, Balapur in a colorful event and the flagpole was dedicated to the people of Shopian by Lt Gen D P Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps," he said. (PTI)
To celebrate Republic Day and 75 years of India's independence under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the SDMC has illuminated its buildings, metro pillars, schools, parks and key roundabouts, an official statement said on Wednesday.
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation's (SDMC) South Zone has wall-painted the country's national bird peacock on its six-storeyed house tax building in RK Puram Sector-9. The peacock art measures 70 feet in length and is 26 feet wide.
In SDMC'S iconic Bharat Darshan Park, a ‘Tree of Unity' has been created from an electric pole, tires and children's play equipment strips. Besides this, a deer chariot has been set up from parts of a discarded car at Shaheedi Park, it stated.
As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, metro pillars in SDMC'S Najafgarh zone are painted to depict the dance forms of India and the country's rich cultural diversity.
To mark the occasion, the roundabout at Nizamuddin East in Central Zone has been beautified. The footpath has been repaired and coloured for ease of pedestrians, the statement said. (PTI)
Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar unfurled the Tricolour at the historic Ridge Maidan here on the Republic Day on Wednesday. The Republic Day was also celebrated with fervour in district headquarters, where state ministers unfurled the national flag.
A limited number of people were allowed to be present at the venues to watch the celebrations in view of covid restrictions. The governor in Shimla took salute from an impressive march past by various contingents. Shimla experienced light snowfall. Attractive tableaux were presented by various departments. (PTI)
Two injured after a drone fell on them during Republic Day celebrations in Jabalpur, this morning. "A man, woman have been hospitalized after they were hit by the drone. Condition stable," a doctor present at the spot told ANI. They received injuries while they were performing; drone hit them on the head.
Beating Retreat ceremony held at the Attari-Wagah border
On the occasion of Republic Day, BSF personnel exchange sweets with Pakistan Rangers at the international border in Sri Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts of Rajasthan.
The route of the marching contingent ended at the National Stadium instead of the Red Fort this year.
Tableaux from 12 states and Union Territories as well as nine ministries or government departments were on display this year.
At a time when several Opposition-ruled states complained that their tableaux were not selected for the Republic Day parade, even as the government insisted that the decision was taken by an expert committee and there is no political intervention, the tableaux of four of the five poll-bound states made it to Rajpath on Republic Day.
Tableaux, from as many as 12 states and Union Territories, highlighted dances, spirit of sportsmanship, biodiversity, the freedom struggle, religious destinations and development. Read more
From R-Day parade to ITBP personnel celebrating Republic Day, see our gallery of Republic Day photos here
“I congratulate all J&K Police personnel on this momentous achievement and salute their bravery. PM Narendra Modi-led central government stands committed to recognising and honouring our brave police personnel,” says Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He adds, “J&K Police has been the spearhead of India’s fight against terrorism. It's a matter of immense pride to the entire nation, that the J&K Police has won the largest share (115) of the gallantry awards today on Republic Day. This reflects their valour and commitment.” (ANI)
India's strength in traditional textile and natural fibres was showcased by the Ministry of Textiles through its tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
The ministry's tableau, portraying a traditional weaving shuttle in the form of a space shuttle, attempted to take the viewers through India's journey from the evolution of traditional textiles to futuristic technical textiles.
The tableau also had charkhas, a loom, cotton balls and silk cocoon on its top portraying fiber to yarn conversion. The rear part of the tableau had coloured yarns which are converted into fabric by looms and turned into different traditional apparels. (PTI)
The Ministry of Education and Skill Development's tableau at the 73rd Republic Day parade on the Rajpath showcased the key aspects of the new National Education Policy through the theme 'Vedas to Metaverse'.
The front part of the tableau depicted the glorious past of the country in the area of education starting from the Vedas, the Gurukul system of education and ancient universities such as Nalanda where students from all over the world used to gather.
The rear part had a glowing bulbous brain-like structure symbolising innovation and creativity. Students of different age groups, accompanying the tableau, portrayed skill development, joyful learning while emphasising the latest technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality.
Video on the LED screens of the digital book placed atop the tableau illustrated multidisciplinary education, research and innovation, startups, robotics and metaverse. Images of educationists and scientists from ancient times to the modern age could also be seen on both sides of the tableau. (PTI)
National flag was hoisted atop the historic Clock tower in city's Lal Chowk on Wednesday, 30 years after veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi did it for the first time.
Social activists Sajid Yousuf Shah and Sahil Bashir Bhat along with dozens of supporters had organized the flag hoisting ceremony at Clock Tower, locally known as Ghanta Ghar, to mark the Republic Day. The activist used a hydraulic crane elevator to install the national flag on top of the clock tower amidst rendition of the national anthem.
Young players from Kashmir Martial Arts Academy also participated in the function. The participants danced to patriotic songs as hundreds of Police and paramilitary personnel stood guard around the clock tower.
Senior BJP leader had hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk in 1992 at the peak of militancy in the valley. (PTI)
The aviation ministry's tableau debuted at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday and showcased the impact of regional air connectivity scheme Udan across the country.
Under this scheme, financial incentives from the aviation ministry, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and underserved airports and to keep airfares affordable.
The front part of the aircraft-shaped tableau showcased women pilots depicting women power in India's aviation -- India has among the highest number of female pilots globally. The rear portion showed Buddhism symbols and the UDAN motto - Sab Uden, Sab Juden.
The middle portion focused on the Buddha circuit, featuring the Buddha statue in Gaya where he attained enlightenment, the Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath where he delivered his first sermon (Dharmachakra Parivartan) and the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana.
Both sides of the section depicted heritage sites -- Humayun tomb in the north, Konark sun temple in east, Hampi temple chariot in south and Ajanta caves in west -- connected through air services. (PTI)
Sending his best wishes to India on the occasion of Republic Day, UK PM Boris Johnson on Wednesday tweeted, “The UK and India are tied by bonds that span over decades, through generations and across some of the greatest challenges we have faced.”
As many as 128 people ranging from veteran politicians, businessmen, scientists and doctors to artists and ordinary people engaged in public service were announced to have been selected for conferment of Padma awards this year on Tuesday. While most accepted the awards gracefully, former West Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharya refused to accept it. Singer Sandhya Mukhopadhyay’s family claimed she was offered the award but did not accept it. The award list did not have her name.
What are Padma awards?
The Padma awards are the highest civilian honour of India after the Bharat Ratna. They are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
The awards are given in certain select categories which include Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service and Sports. Awards are also given for propagation of Indian culture, protection of human rights, wild life protection among others. Read more.
China's People's Liberation Army has indicated that they will be handing over the missing teen from Arunachal Pradesh soon, Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said.
"Hotline exchanged on Republic Day by Indian Army with Chinese PLA," he tweeted. "They are likely to intimate date and time soon. Delay attributed to bad weather conditions on their side."
Miram Taron, a teenager from Zido village in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, went missing from near the Line of Actual Control earlier this month.
The country's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday. She is only the second woman fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the first female fighter jet pilot to be part of the IAF tableau.
Singh, who is from Varanasi, joined the IAF in 2017 and was commissioned in the IAF's second batch of women fighter pilots. She had been flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft before flying the Rafale.
She is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based out of Ambala in Punjab. (PTI)
Amrit formation comprising 17 Jaguar aircraft made a figure of 75 above Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade. Take a look.
On the occasion of India’s 73rd Republic Day, Google India’s homepage highlighted different elements of parade animals including an elephant, a horse, a dog, a camel; a red tabla; the parade path; a saxophone as part of the iconic camel-mounted band; doves; and the tricolors of the national flag.
On January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution came into effect. The day is also remembered as the anniversary of the declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete freedom) by the Indian National Congress in 1929.
Republic Day is celebrated over a three-day period with cultural events that honour the resilience, history, and diverse social fabric of the world’s most populous democracy. The largest official display of national pride held today is the Republic Day Parade—elements of which are depicted in the Doodle artwork—held along Rajpath in New Delhi. The parade features a float for several Indian states alongside dozens of bands, folk dancers, and government officials. Read more.
Virat, a horse with the President's Bodyguard, participated in his last Republic Day parade Wednesday. After serving for over a decade, Virat is set to retire.
When he arrived at the dais to escort President Ram Nath Kovind back to Rashtrapati Bhawan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paused briefly to interact with Virat. Earlier this month, Virat was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation on the eve of Army Day.
India's 73rd Republic Day Parade ended with hundreds of tricolour balloons being released into the air.
The President's Bodyguards have arrived to escort Ram Nath Kovind back to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. But first, the National anthem is played before his exit.
For the first time in Republic Day history, Indian Air Force pilots flew alongside their Indian Naval colleagues. In the impressive Amrit Formation, 17 Jaguar fighter jets were flown by both IAF and Naval pilots.
In a stunning display, a Rafale fighter jet, flanked by two Jaguars, two MiG-29 UPG, and two Su-30 MI ac, fly past Rajpath in a Baaz formation.
This year's grand fly-past features 75 aircraft for the first time. Among the planes on display are the MiG 29, as well as the Rafale.
As part of the grand finale, a stunning fly-past by the Indian Air Force and Navy has commenced. First up, five Sarang (ALH) helicopters emerge Rajpath in the 'Tiranga' formation.
Displaying India's cultural diversity, more than 480 dancers performed on Rajpath on Wednesday morning.
Just like every year, India showcased its military might and cultural diversity on Republic Day. This year’s celebrations, however, saw a number of firsts, including, among others, an added day of celebrating Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary.
With a drone show, an extended flypast and elaborate coverage, here’s a look at what’s different this year:
? The Republic Day Parade kicked off a little later at 10.30 am, to ensure better visibility as Delhi is engulfed with fog on wintry mornings.
? The number of tableaux have been reduced this year. A total of 12 states and nine ministries or government departments were showcased in the parade, due to limited space and time, according to Nampibou Marinmai, PRO (Defence).
? The parade will feature the largest flypast of 75 aircraft from the three services, marking the 75th year of India’s independence. Public broadcaster DD has tied up with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide a live feed from cameras giving the pilot’s view and cockpit’s view for the first time ever.
? The dancers performing in the cultural programmes in the parade were selected through a nation-wide competition, which began at the district level with over 3,800 participants, from which the final 480 dancers were selected to perform under the Vande Bharatam competition organised by the ministries of defence and culture. Read more.
The tableaux of the Minsitry of Law and Justice featured a robotic hand that flexed its fingers to signify the theme -- 'Ek Mutthi Aasman' and the benefits of resolving disputes through Lok Adalats.
The tableaux of the Department of Post showcases the theme 'India Post: 75 years @ resolve women empowerment'. Interestingly, almost 50 per cent account holders of the Indian Post Payments Bank and the Post Office Savings Bank are women.
Maharashtra's tableaux displays five "bio-symbols", including flora and fauna unique to the state. About 15 animals and 22 plants and flowers have been featured on the impressive tableaux.
The front portion of Goa's tableau displays Fort Aguada, while the martyr's memorial in Panaji is shown in the middle. The tableau highlight's the coastal state's history and heritage. A lotus is placed atop the memorial to represent universal brotherhood.
Meghalaya's tableaux is the first to make its way down Rajpath, displaying bamboo and cane handicrafts as well as Lakadong turmeric. The tableau is meant to celebrate 50 years of statehood as well as the state's women-led cooperative societies and SHGs. Take a look:
The Border Security Force's camel band is the only one of its kind in the world. As it approaches the dias, the 35 bandsmen play 'Hum hai seema suraksha bal, bahudaro ka dal'.
Delhi Police's Marching Contingent, which was named the best marching contingent of 2021, is now approaching the dais. The contingent has won the title 15 times and also has the unique distinction of participating in ever Republic Day Parade since 1950.
Next up is the Indian Air Force's marching band and contingent. The IAF contingent comprises 96 airmen and 4 officers, and is led by Sqn Ldr Prashant Swamynathan. The IAF tableaux displays the theme 'Indian Air Force transforming for the future'.
The Indian Navy's renowned brass band marched towards the dais, playing the Indian Navy song 'Jai Bharti'. This was closely followed by the Naval tableau, which was designed to show the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy. The front half of the tableau depics the Naval uprising of 1946, while the rear section illustrates the Navy's 'Make in India' intitatives.
The parade began with the Indian Army's contingents displaying their might both on land and in the air. On display are the Centurian Tank of 'The Poona Horse', the mainstay of the Indian Army during the 1971 war, the ambhibious OT-62 TOPAZ, as well as the 75/24 gun system.
The parade began with four Mi-17 V5 helicopters flying in a 'Wineglass formation' over Rajpath. Meanwhile, heralding the parade, entered General Vijay Kumar Mishra.
The Ashok Chakra was posthumously awared to Assistant Sub Inspector Babu Ram of the Jammu and Kashmir Police at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
President Ram Nath Kovind, escorted by the President's Bodyguard, has arrived at the saluting base at Rajpath. He was greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and paid homage to the armed forces personnel who were killed in action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the National War Memorial on Wednesday morning, where he will pay homage to the armed forces personnel who were killed in action. He was received by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three defence forces.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived at the National War Memorial. He was greeted by the chiefs of all three defence forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at the memorial shortly.
From the outset, India’s Republic Day parades have been a grand affair and a splendid spectacle, displaying the nation’s achievements, military might and cultural diversity through state-of-the-art warfare equipment, flypasts, stunts and the vivid, thematised floats around the country. On January 26, 1950, the first ever Republic Day parade was performed at the Irwin Amphitheater (now Major Dhyan Chand Stadium) where 3,000 officers of the armed forces, and more than 100 aircrafts participated, after India’s newly-sworn President Dr. Rajendra Prasad rode through the streets of Delhi to arrive at the venue.
The continuity of the parade lies in the expression of the nation’s military capability, now mostly in the form of sophisticated, modern weaponry, whereas in the initial years the regiments had been right out of the British Indian Army and there were many more animals — horses, camels, elephants and even mules — often in tribute to India’s ancient and historical military splendour. There were many more dancing crowds of children and the floats often featured agriculture-based themes, reflecting young India’s focus on its villages.
In the years that followed, the parade line-up tightened and the focus gradually shifted to a more consolidated, modernising India. Read more.
Around September every year the Defence Ministry, which is responsible for the Republic Day parade and the celebrations, invites all the states, the Union Territories, Central Government departments, and a few constitutional authorities to participate in the parade through tableaux.
The Defence Ministry wrote letters to the 80 Union Ministries and departments, all 36 states and Union Territories through their secretaries, and the Election Commission and the Niti Aayog on September 16, inviting them to participate. The letter mentioned that it “initiates the process of inviting tableau proposals for participation” in the Republic Day parade.
The proposals had to be submitted by September 27, and the shortlisting of the proposals began in the second week of October. Read more.
The then-two-month-old protest by farmer unions, camping at the gates of Delhi to seek the repeal of the Centre's contentious agriculture laws, descended into chaos on Republic Day when hundreds of protesters, breaking away from a planned tractor rally on the city’s outskirts, felled barriers at the borders, clashed with police to enter the Capital, and stormed the Red Fort to unfurl the Nishan Sahib, the religious flag of the Sikhs.
According to Delhi Police officials, around 160 people have been arrested in connection with the violence that unfolded last year, of which 20 were held for the violence at the Red Fort. In addition, 54 cases were registered, of which, 16 are with the Crime Branch.
Since then, the three farm laws have been repealed and farmers have called off their year-long protest at the national capital's borders.