Indian Republic Day–State Guest of Honour–Foreign Dignitaries
Our Nation carries a moral value of inviting and honoring the Heads of other Nations, particularly on Republic Day. Guests are honored with great dignity and shown the great display of our cultural values as a part of our Republic
day Parade in New Delhi. This hospitality on our part paves way for better relationship.
History of Indian Republic Day programs
At the Republic Day functions in New Delhi, India is hosting the Head of State or Government of another Country as the state guest of honour. In 1950, the first Republic Day celebrations were witnessed by the Indonesian President, Sukarno who was the State guest. During the period 1950-1954, celebrations were conducted at different venues in New Delhi. In 1955, a parade was arranged at Rajpath where the Honourable guest was the Governor General of Pakistan, Malik Gulam Muhammed, The chief Guests are selected after discussions great interest on areas of strategic, economic and more than that, the political relationship with the Nations of such distinguished Guests. Prior to the bloody wars with China and Pakistan, leaders from both these Nations had attended the Republic Day celebrations as our Guests and they were greatly honored. The invitees include a number of NAM countries' State Heads and India has invited several Western leaders also. The fact that Pakistan Food and Agriculture Minister was the second State Guest from Pakistan in 1965 and immediately after the celebrations, India had to wage a war with Pakistan gives a strange meaning for the Republic Day celebrations. The decorated list of such Guests include India's neighbours like Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bhutan; Defence allies like USSR/Russia, UK, France; Business/Trade allies like Brazil, New Zealand and NAM members like Nigeria and Yogoslavia. France remains at the top for maximum number of Guests of honour – 4 followed by 3 from UK, Bhutan, Mauritius and USSR. It is also noteworthy that USA, till now has not been fortunate to be the party of Chief Guests for the Indian Republic Day celebrations.
Different regiments of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force march past in the Parade from the Rajpath along with the Vijaypath and while they pass through, they salute the VIPs at the dias particularly the Chief Guests. This Parade is followed by unique display of cultural themes of different States in different forms or tableau form accompanied with their music and songs. The diversity and richness of the culture of our country is well displayed on the Day as the air in Delhi or say entire Country looks festive. The patriotic fervor of the people comes together in this Country irrespective the differences in caste, creed and political interests and remains a unique example for unity at its zenith.
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