New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s memory returned to Kartapath on the occasion of 75th Republic Day. After a gap of 40 years, President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Republic Day parade in a horse-drawn carriage.
President Murmu arrived at the Republic Day function in a traditional pair car on Friday morning. He was accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest. Following tradition, the guards and drivers in red dresses escorted them to the stage. After this, the parade started with 21 song salute and national anthem.
Until 1984, this pair of cars was in vogue on Republic Day. But after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, horse-drawn carriages were stopped on the highway. This decision was taken keeping in mind the security. Since then, presidents have been in cars. The twin cars used by the Viceroys during the British era had a permanent residence in the Raj Bhavan since 1984. But after 40 long years, the old tradition has returned to the Modi era. The president’s security guards riding horses in Napoleon boots were also a reminder of a 250-year-old tradition.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was dressed in a Gujarati touch. He appeared wearing a bandhani turban or safa. With a white shirt and brown Jauhar coat. He wears a turban on Independence Day and Republic Day. Dressed in turbans from different states, he gave a message of unity in diversity. For example, he wore a Rajasthani safa on the 74th Republic Day. This time he came out in public in a turban made by his state.
