India Marks 77th Republic Day: Bastar Breaks 47-Year Silence as EU Leadership Joins Kartavya Path Celebrations

RAIPUR — India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a powerful display of military modernization, cultural pride, and diplomatic momentum, underscoring both global engagement and internal security achievements.

At the historic Kartavya Path, President Droupadi Murmu led the national celebrations alongside Chief Guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. This marked the first-ever participation of the European Union’s top collective leadership at India’s Republic Day parade, reflecting deepening strategic ties and renewed momentum toward the long-anticipated India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

Chhattisgarh’s Dual Narrative: Progress and Sacrifice

Chhattisgarh emerged as a focal point of national attention through its Republic Day tableau themed “The Mantra of Freedom – Vande Mataram.” The tableau highlighted the country’s first Tribal Digital Museum in Nava Raipur, celebrating iconic tribal freedom fighters such as Veer Gundadhur and Veer Narayan Singh, and showcasing the state’s commitment to preserving indigenous heritage through technology.

Beyond the ceremonial grandeur, a historic milestone was achieved in the Bastar region. For the first time in nearly 47 years, the National Flag was unfurled in 47 villages that had long remained under Maoist influence. State Home Minister Vijay Sharma described the development as a “triumph of the Constitution,” attributing the progress to sustained security operations and development initiatives under the Niyad Nellanar (Your Good Village) scheme, aimed at integrating remote tribal regions into the national mainstream.

Security Forces Injured in Bijapur IED Blasts

The celebrations were tempered by a reminder of the ongoing security challenges. In the Karegutta Hills of Bijapur district, 11 security personnel—including DRG and CoBRA commandos—were injured after triggering a series of pressure IED blasts during a search operation. The injured personnel were airlifted to Raipur for advanced medical treatment, where three remain in critical condition. Officials termed the incident an “act of desperation” by retreating insurgents as security forces tighten their grip on remaining Maoist strongholds.

Showcasing a Future-Ready India

The Republic Day Parade also unveiled India’s evolving defense capabilities through the debut of the ‘Battle Array’ formation, featuring indigenous technologies such as robotic dogs, swarm drones, and the SURYASTRA rocket launcher. The grand flypast, themed “Operation Sindoor,” highlighted tri-service integration with a synchronized display of Rafale fighter jets and Prachand attack helicopters, reinforcing India’s vision of a self-reliant and future-ready defense ecosystem.

As India marches toward the goal of Viksit Bharat, the 77th Republic Day stood as a testament to the nation’s democratic resilience, growing global influence, and unwavering commitment to internal peace and development.