The teeth-chattering cold on Wednesday morning failed to dampen the spirits of the people coming to witness the Republic Day parade at the majestic Rajpath, here.
The people started arriving at the Rajpath as early as 5 a.m. in the morning, even as the parade begins at 10.30 a.m.
However, this year the rush compared to previous years was less, possibly owing to the fear of the latest Omicron variant of novel coronavirus. Notably this is the second time India is celebrating the Republic Day in a subdued manner.
Still almost every seat for the visitors at the Rajpath was occupied. It may be also mentioned that the seating arrangement was adhering to the Covid-induced protocol of keeping distance.
The security personnel were even checking the Covid vaccination certificates at the entrance of the Rajpath area.
People, who were standing in the queues, could be heard singing and chanting patriotic songs and slogans.
Amid chilly weather in the morning, the slogans “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Matram” injected the heat of patriotism in the veins of the people.
The parade was yet to start at the time of filing of this report.
PM Modi, Shah extend wishes on Republic Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday extended their wishes to the people on the occasion of Republic Day.
“Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!,” the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.
Home Minister Amit Shah in his greetings paid tributes to the soldiers who have kept the country’s integrity intact.
“I bow to all the soldiers who have dedicated their lives to keep the pride, unity and integrity of Indian Republic intact,” the Minister said.
He further asked all the countrymen to take a pledge on the day to ensure India’s commitment to the democratic values of freedom.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said this is an occasion to celebrate our democracy and cherish the ideas and values enshrined in our Constitution.
“Praying for the continued progress and prosperity of our country,” he said.
Earlier on the eve of Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation and called it “an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indianness”.