India’s capital, New Delhi, witnessed a major Republic Day celebration on Sunday at Kartavya Path, attended by around 10,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds. This initiative was part of the government’s push to enhance public participation, or Jan Bhagidari, in national events.
The special invitees included village sarpanches, disaster relief workers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Paralympic athletes, and individuals who had benefitted from or excelled under various government schemes. The initiative aimed to recognise and honour contributions from individuals across sectors and promote inclusivity in events of national importance.
As part of the effort, a national-level competition was conducted by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances. The contest focused on panchayats that achieved targets under at least six flagship government schemes. The sarpanches of these high-performing villages, totalling over 500, were invited to attend the parade as special guests.
In addition, the guest list included 300 disaster relief workers, 300 individuals from vibrant villages, 400 water warriors, 200 representatives from Primary Agriculture Credit (PAC) Societies, and 400 members of Pani Samitis.
Other invitees included 400 community resource persons such as Krishi Sakhis and Udhyog Sakhis, 200 members of Self-Help Groups, and 400 participants from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme.
A wide range of professionals and achievers were also represented, including 200 trainees from the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the National Skill Development Corporation, 400 awardees of the PM YASASVI scheme, 200 volunteers in forest and wildlife conservation, 200 handloom and handicraft artisans, and 500 tribal beneficiaries of various schemes. Additionally, 500 ASHA workers, 400 Anganwadi workers, 200 Paralympic athletes, and international sports winners were present.
The event also recognised innovative contributors, with invitations extended to around 100 patent holders and 100 start-ups. Infrastructure workers, including 300 road construction workers and farmers using renewable energy under the PM Surya Ghar and PM KUSUM schemes, also received invitations.
Apart from witnessing the grand parade, the guests were given the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks in the capital, including the National War Memorial and the Prime Minister’s Museum (PM Sangrahalay), as well as other significant sites.
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