BENGALURU: India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, were marked by solemn reverence and exuberant displays of national pride across the country. This year, the festivities featured not only the grandeur of the ceremonial parade but also the announcement of prestigious Padma awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to the arts and public service.
Among the notable recipients of Padma awards from Karnataka were violin maestro L Subramaniam, who received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor in India. Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the arts, acknowledging his lasting impact on Kannada cinema.
Also honored with the Padma Bhushan was author and journalist A Surya Prakash, recognized for his literary and educational contributions. The Padma Shri awards were notable this year, with winners spanning diverse fields including art, sports, and medicine. Martial arts coach Hassan Raghu and oncologist Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshamane were among the six Padma Shri awardees, highlighting their significant roles within the community.
Dr Deshamane’s sister, Indumati Deshmani, reflected on their humble beginnings, recounting how their mother sold vegetables and their father was a freedom fighter. She said, “Though our parents were not educated and were poor, they took all efforts to give us a good education.” Dr Deshamane, known for her work at Kidwai Cancer Hospital, established herself as not only a medical professional but also as someone deeply committed to humanitarian efforts.
Meanwhile, the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, tapped deeply rooted historical significance as it commenced with the spectacular 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active horse-mounted cavalry regiment. Led by Lieutenant Ahaan Kumar, this renowned unit, established in 1953, paraded with pride, showcasing India’s military legacy.
With their motto, “Ashwa Shakti Yashobal”—meaning “Horse Power is Forever Supreme”—the Cavalry regiment, admired for its splendid horses and storied history, commanded the attention of spectators. The grandeur of their presentation served as not just entertainment but as powerful reminders of India’s martial prowess and valor.
The celebrations featured not only these honored individuals but also advanced military hardware. The T-90 Bhishma tank and the cutting-edge Nag Missile System rolled down the Kartavya Path, symbolizing India’s commitment to defense and technological advancement. The combination of traditional regalia and modern displays captivated onlookers, bridging past and present.
On social media, attendees shared their experiences and visuals of the splendid parade, encapsulating the essence of pride woven through the Republic Day celebrations. The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the honor awarded to individuals from various sectors contributing to India’s growth.
Veteran puppeteer Bhimavva Shillekyatar, also awarded the Padma Shri, highlighted the preservation of traditional art forms. At 96, she exemplifies resilience and passion, dedicates her life to the ancient craft of Togalu Gombeyaata, and aims to pass this tradition to the next generation. Her performances, deeply intertwined with Indian mythology, have reached international audiences across many countries.
Meanwhile, Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar, another Padma Shri awardee, continued the tradition of Gondhali folk music, nurturing this art form’s legacy by training over 1,000 students. Sugatekar’s stories and songs have been pivotal to preserving the cultural narratives of his community, showcasing the importance of storytelling as both art and education.
Republic Day is not just commemorative; it is celebratory, uniting people across India as they reflect on the country’s democratic values and the sacrifices made for independence. With performances from diverse state contingents and the air force, this 76th Republic Day established itself as memorable, blending rich tradition with modern advancements.
India’s Republic Day serves as both tribute and celebration of its future, embodying patriotic fervor. This year’s event reinforced the importance of acknowledging those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation, whether through the arts, public service, or the military.
Through honoring icons and showcasing the vibrancy of India's cultural and military heritage, 2025's Republic Day was emblematic of the goals and aspirations of its people, driving home the message of unity and strength.