New Delhi, Dec 24: The anticipation for India's Republic Day Parade is building as the Ministry of Defence has announced the theme for the tableaux to be showcased. This year’s theme is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ capturing the blend of heritage and development. On January 26, 15 States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and West Bengal, will present their representations along the Kartavya Path, enhancing the vibrancy of the celebrations, which are set to reflect India's cultural richness and developmental strides.
Tableaux have traditionally played a significant role during India's Republic Day celebrations, allowing states to showcase their unique heritage and contributions. The Defence Ministry selected these 15 states based on stringent criteria evaluated by an Expert Committee. Factors such as conceptual uniqueness, creative expression, and the ability to convey messages balancing 'Virasat' (heritage) and 'Vikas' (development) were integral to the selection process.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also made headlines on the same day, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology within India's criminal justice system. While chairing a review meeting with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Shah called for generating alerts throughout the investigation process, from the registration of cases to their eventual resolution. This forward-thinking initiative aims to expedite investigations and improve overall efficiency within law enforcement.
Shah advocated for the use of biometric technology to aid the identification of unclaimed bodies, asserting the necessity for regular interactions with State UTs to facilitate the development and implementation of programs like the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). The move is part of the government's broader strategy to modernize law enforcement through technological innovations.
During these discussions on crime control, Shah highlighted the NCRB’s efforts to create data-rich platforms benefiting investigation officers. The technological integration across sections such as prisons, courts, and forensics aims to create seamless communication within the justice system. Shah also proposed encouraging State UT officials to adopt these initiatives, positioned to streamline criminal investigations nationwide.
Meanwhile, political tensions were palpable as Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha launched sharp criticisms against the Congress party concerning their past treatment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. This backlash came amid protests by Congress leaders over remarks made by Amit Shah linking Ambedkar with current political narratives.
Sinha pointed out historical injustices meted out to Ambedkar by Congress leaders, claiming they were complicit in sidelining his legacy. He expressed, "They had orchestrated such situations to undermine Ambedkar, making it impossible for him to garner the support he deserved.” His comments reflect the heightened political sensitivity surrounding Ambedkar, particularly during significant anniversaries tied to the Indian Constitution.
This political tug-of-war has intensified as leaders like Sinha noted the perceived hypocrisy of the Congress party's current protests, especially considering their historical stance on Ambedkar. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan, also known as Lalan Singh, echoed similar sentiments, chastising Congress for their lack of respect toward the legacy of Ambedkar. Choudhary asserted, “The Congress leaders always insulted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,” emphasizing how he was celebrated under non-Congress governance.
The backdrop to these criticisms includes Shah’s recent comments which some interpreted as dismissive of Ambedkar’s legacy, stating, “Nowadays, there is a fashion about Ambedkar,” implying the opposition's opportunistic approach to invoking his name. This sparked controversy and drew accusations of disrespect from various political factions, especially those representing Dalit communities who view Ambedkar as a significant figure in their struggle for rights and recognition.
These intertwined narratives not only highlight the central themes of heritage and progress represented by the Republic Day celebrations but also underline the fraught relationships among political factions as they navigate complex historical legacies. The focus on Ambedkar during heated political discussions serves as both a rallying point for the opposition and a reminder of the diverse ideological narratives at play within Indian politics.
With the Republic Day celebrations on the horizon and the continued push for modernizing India’s approach to crime control, the public's attention remains on how these themes will play out politically and culturally.
