Republic Day 2024 Highlights: India, France agree on defence-industrial road map, says Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra

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French President Emmanuel Macron will reportedly be visiting the Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi later today.

“This is a subject of ongoing discussions... Now, the issue is really about arriving at a set of specifications that comply with our future fighter jet requirements. So, this always features in the conversation between the President and the Prime Minister, because what we are looking for is not just a manufacturing transfer of technology, which essentially keeps you going with the same crutches that you have been going on for the last six decades but to work in the actual design phase, metallurgical aspects, etc. So Safran is fully willing to do it with 100% transfer of technology, 100% transfer of technology in design development, certification, production, and so on. But it's a very complex subject, and it has to fit in with the overall future requirements. So, these discussions will continue to take place, and that's also part of the defense industry roadmap.”

India and France have firmed up a defence industrial partnership roadmap that would provide for co-development and co-production of key military hardware and platforms and facilitate technology collaboration in a range of areas including space, land warfare, cyberspace and artificial intelligence.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, announcing key outcomes of the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Jaipur last night, also said the Tatas and Airbus Helicopters have entered into a partnership for production of H125 choppers with significant indigenous components.

At a media briefing Friday, Kwatra said the India-France defence industrial roadmap would also facilitate cooperation in areas of robotics, autonomous vehicles and cyber defence.

-- Potential disruptions and actual developments in the maritime domain figured in Modi-Macron talks, says Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, referring to the Red Sea crisis.

-- Conflict in Gaza, its various dimensions, including terror and humanitarian aspects, came up in talks between PM Modi and Emmanuel Macron, Kwatra added.

-- An MoU has been signed between New Space India Ltd and France's Arianespace for cooperation in satellite launches, he informed.

In a unique and patriotic celebration of the 75th Republic Day, the elephants at Mudumalai Theppakadu Elephant Camp in the Nilgiris district performed a parade with the national flag. A total of 27 domesticated elephants participated in the event. Each of the elephants and Mahout was seated and stood holding the national flag. The elephants, known as Chera elephants, displayed a touching gesture as they raised their trunks to pay homage to the national flag.

Taking to X, he wrote, “A Very Happy #RepublicDay to you all. We watch, with pride. the parade displaying all the might of our weaponry & missiles. But I hope we can take a few minutes from our day to also hear this incredible song once again. And remind ourselves that our real strength is the humble soldier, willing to lay down her/his life on a faraway border while we are safe at home with our loved ones."

BSF jawans exchanged sweets with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Fulbari at the India-Bangladesh border.

Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav took part in Republic Day celebrations in Patna amid speculations around Nitish Kumar's next move.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said protecting the fundamental principles of the Constitution is the true tribute to our freedom fighters. Wishing fellow citizens on Republic Day, he said the Constitution, which unites the dreams of the freedom fighters, is the soul of the Indian Republic. "Our great Constitution, which unites the dreams of the freedom movement, is the soul of the Indian Republic. Protection of the fundamental principles of the Constitution and loyalty to them is the true tribute to the immortal freedom fighters. Best wishes to all the countrymen on Republic Day. Jai Hind," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Tripura CM Manik Saha said, "Today is the 75th #RepublicDay. On this occasion, I would like to extend greetings to all citizens in the states and across the country. For us, Constitution is the supreme. We have always respected it and we will always respect it..."

“Ont the special occasion of your National Day, my wife and I would like to convey our warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of India,” he said in an official statement. “I cherish the close bond shared between our nations and I am confident that our ties will continue to flourish in this very special seventy-fifth anniversary year of the Commonwealth – a fitting reminder of the enduring values and aspirations that unite us,” he added.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "India's women-led development is being discussed globally, and what we witnessed today on 'Kartavya Path,' the Republic Day parade, and the cultural programs, all were dedicated to women. Today, 'Nari Shakti' demonstrated its strength, showcasing the remarkable contribution of women. Overall, women performed brilliantly in every field."

The external affairs ministry showcased India's success in hosting the G20 Summit in 2023 and its achievements as the president of powerful grouping at the 75th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2024.

The MEA's tableau highlighted India's leadership in addressing global issues in an ambitious, decisive, inclusive, and action-oriented manner. It also depicted the successful completion of India's G20 presidency last year and its achievements.

The Republic Day parade tableau of the Election Commission showcased a brilliant depiction of "India - Mother of Democracy" as it rolled down the Kartavya Path on January 26th. French President Emmanuel Macron was present at India's 75th Republic Day celebrations, joining a select group of global leaders who have graced the nation's biggest ceremonial in the last seventy years. As the chief guest of the ceremony, Macron witnessed the grand military parade and cultural performances, along with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet, foreign diplomats, and a host of other dignitaries.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) offered a glimpse of India’s artificial intelligence ambitions, with its Republic Day tableau highlighting the use of AI for social empowerment.

At the Republic Day parade on New Delhi’s Kartavya Path on January 26, the ministry’s tableau showcased advances made by the country in electronics manufacturing along with the government’s ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) mission which may soon head for cabinet approval.

A big “female robot” in a thinking posture dominated the display as the tableau rolled down the Kartavya Path. The base depicted a 3D scale model of a chip.

Squadron Leader Nikita Malhotra has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry on Republic Day. She was also part of the Tangail formation in the flypast over the Kartavya Path today. She was in the Dornier aircraft of the formation which included one Dakota aircraft and two Dorniers.

President's bodyguards escort President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron back to Rashtrapati Bhavan after the conclusion of Republic Day 2024 parade.

Six Rafale aircraft fly over Kartavya Path in ‘Marut’ formation during Republic Day 2024 celebrations.

Aerial shots taken specially from Prachand that is taking part in the fly past over Kartavya Path, during #RepublicDay2024 celebrations here.

Haryana CM breaks official protocol after watching the dance presentation related to Lord Ram during R-Day celebrations in Karnal, comes down from the stage and touches the feet of the artist playing the role of Lord Ram.

The theme of the tableau is based on 'Ayodhya: Viksit Bharat-Samradh Virasat'. The front of the tableau symbolises the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, showcasing his childhood form.

The theme of the tableau is based on 'Ayodhya: Viksit Bharat-Samradh Virasat'. The front of the tableau symbolises the Pranpratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, showcasing his childhood form.

The tableau is a demonstration of the development of women's handicraft industries, nurtured along with the festive culture of Rajasthan.

Chhattisgarh’s tableau in the 75th Republic Day parade depicted the 600-year-old tribal tradition of community decision-making in the state’s Bastar region.

Manipur showcases its 'Nari Shakti' with 'Ima Keithel', the 500-year-old market, one and only in the world run entirely by women.

The tableau of Arunachal Pradesh on Kartavya Path depicts the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot in the state

Republic Day Parade 2024: The award is given in 6 categories in the fields of bravery, art & culture, innovation, science & technology, social service and sports.

Marching for the first time ever on Kartavya Path --- an all-women contingent of the Armed Forces Medical Services, led by Major Srishti Khullar with Capt Amba Samant from Army Dental Corps, Surg Lt Kanchana from Indian Navy, Flt Lt Dhivya Priya from Indian Air Force.

Indian Navy tableau highlights the themes of 'Nari Shakti and 'Atmanirbharta', also shows the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and Navy ships Delhi, Kolkata and Shivalik and Kalavari Class Submarine

Republic Day Parade 2024: The first Army contingent leading the Mechanised Column is of 61 Cavalry, led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’

The winners of the highest gallantry awards including Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra on the Kartavya Path, as the March Past begins.

The winners of the highest gallantry awards including Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra on the Kartavya Path, as the March Past begins.

Republic Day Parade 2024: The first Army contingent leading the Mechanised Column is of 61 Cavalry, led by Major Yashdeep Ahlawat. Raised in 1953, the 61 Cavalry is the only serving active Horsed Cavalry Regiment in the world, with the amalgamation of all the ‘State Horsed Cavalry Units’

Republic Day Parade 2024: For the first time ever, the parade is being heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade is commencing with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, among others, being played by these artists.

Republic Day Live: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge reminded citizens of the Constitutional values of ‘nyaya’ (justice), ‘maryada’ (dignity), ‘samata’ (equality), and ‘samabhaav’ (equanimity), as he extended good wishes on the occasion of Republic Day.

Republic Day 2024 Live: PM Narendra Modi welcomes Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the kartavya Path for 75th Republic day celebrations.

Republic Day 2024 Live: Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, “Our great Constitution, which unites the dreams of the freedom movement, is the soul of the Indian Republic. Protection of the fundamental principles of the Constitution and loyalty to them is the true tribute to the immortal freedom fighters. Best wishes to all the countrymen on Republic Day. Jai Hind."

Republic Day Live: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) soldiers deployed at the peaks of the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 75th Republic Day of India. On the occasion, Indian soldiers marched near the border area, waved the Indian flag and raised 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans.
"Best wishes to all the countrymen on the 75th Republic Day from the Border Fighters!," ITBP wrote.

Republic Day Live: "Best wishes to everyone on 75th Republic Day. Let us reaffirm our commitment towards making India a strong and developed country, on this historic occasion. Jai Hind!," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

Republic Day 2024 Live: "In separate messages to President H.E. Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister H.E. Narendra Modi, President Dr Muizzu conveyed greetings and extended his heartfelt felicitations on commemorating the 75th Republic Day of India," says a statement by The President's Office, Maldives.

Republic Day 2024 Live: On the joyous occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day I extend best wishes to Pres Murmu (@rashtrapatibhvn), PM @narendramodi, the government and people of India. May the unbreakable bonds of friendship that have long existed between Maldives and India go from strength to strength.

India confers 3rd highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan to Taiwan national & CEO of Foxconn, Young Liu.

Republic Day Live: French President Emmanuel Macron, who is the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day, shared a selfie with PM Modi as he extended his wishes on the occasion. "My dear friend @NarendraModi, Indian people, My warmest wishes on your Republic Day. Happy and proud to be with you. Let’s celebrate!," he wrote.

Republic Day Live: On 75th Republic Day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says, "...I appeal to the countrymen to work towards 'Sankalp se siddhi' to make Bharat a developed nation."

Republic Day Live: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unfurled the national flag in Lucknow today on the occassion of the 75th Republic Day. He also extended his wishes to everyone as the country is all set to celebrate the grand event.

Republic Day 2024 Live:"On our shared national days, we have an opportunity to celebrate the depth of our friendship. Australia and India have never been closer," the PM said on X.

Republic Day 2024 Live: For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent will be part of the event. The Republic Day parade will be heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments for the first time instead of the traditional military bands. Around 15 women pilots will enthral the audience during the Indian Air Force's fly-past, representing 'Nari Shakti'. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel.

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled a spectacular sand art creation on the pristine shores of Puri beach in Odisha. Using a diverse array of elements, including oranges, capsicum, flowers, and lemons, Pattnaik skillfully crafted an intricate design that pays homage to the spirit of the nation.

Embassy of Russia in India held celebrations on the occasion of India's #RepublicDay2024 . "Happy Republic Day, #India! From Russia with love," the Russian Embassy in India wrote on X as it shared a video from the celebrations.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar are conferred on children with exceptional abilities and outstanding achievement in the fields of bravery, art & culture, sports, science & technology, innovation and social service. The awardees this year are as follows:

As per tradition, the national flag will be unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute given with indigenous gun system 105-mm Indian Field Guns. Four Mi-17 IV helicopters of 105 Helicopter Unit will shower flower petals on the audience present at Kartavya Path. This will be followed by ‘Aavaahan’, a band performance by over 100 women artists playing various types of percussion instruments, symbolising Nari Shakti.

Republic Day Live: On 75th Republic Day, BJP National President JP Nadda said, "We have resolved to make Bharat a developed and self-reliant nation."

Two hundred female volunteers will form the National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent. It will be led by Ragina Tamang from Sikkim, Regional Directorate of NSS, Guwahati.

Two hundred female volunteers will form the National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent. It will be led by Ragina Tamang from Sikkim, Regional Directorate of NSS, Guwahati.

Republic Day Live: BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda unfurled the national flag on the occasion of 75th Republic Day at party headquarters in Delhi.

Republic Day Live: Congratulations India on your 75th Republic Day! As we celebrate this special day at our embassy, let's continue building a forward-looking partnership and a future of even closer ties, shared values, and mutual pride taking, says US Ambassador Eric Garcetti on X.

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said, "The strength of the people of India is infinite. When this strength rises, it does many miracles. Today, we are moving forward in every sector. We can achieve only when we are bound by a sense of brotherhood...In our country, there is a tradition of accepting diversity. The country will rise to greater heights when everyone works together with a sense of brotherhood and follows the Constitution."

The list includes Majors Maneo Francis PF (Para-Special Forces) and Amandeep Jakhar (Sikh Regiment), Captains M V Pranjal (Rashtriya Rifles, posthumous) and Akshat Upadhyay (Jat Regiment), Naib Subedar Baria Sanjay Kumar Bhamar Sinh (Mahar Regiment), Havildar Sanjay Kumar (Assam Rifles), Rifleman Alok Rao (Assam Rifles, posthumous) and civilian Parshotam Kumar, associated with Rashtriya Rifles.

Lieutenant Bimal Ranjan Behera from Navy, and IAF pilots Wing Commander Shailesh Singh and Flight Lieutenant Hrishikesh Jayan Karuthedath are the other awardees. A CRPF assistant commandant, Bibhor Kumar Singh and four J&K Police officials, deputy superintendent Mohan Lal, sub inspector Faroz Ahmad Dar, assistant sub-inspector Amit Raina and constable Varun Singh, also get Shaurya Chakras.

Republic Day Live: On January 26, 1950, our Indian Constitution was implemented, so this a great day for all of us, and under the leadership of PM Modi, 140 crore Indians have now started thinking together for the development of the nation. So, I think this is a day when we should all reaffirm our commitment to the cause of the nation," says BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi.

Scripting history Major Jerry Blaize and his wife Captain Supreetha CT will march down the Kartavya Path as members of two separate contingents in the Republic Day parade, marking the first time a couple from the Indian Army will share this honour.

Republic Day Live: Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy lays a wreath at Veerula Sainik Smarak at the Army Parade Ground in Secunderabad on the occasion of Republic Day.

Republic Day Live: Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy lays a wreath at Veerula Sainik Smarak at the Army Parade Ground in Secunderabad on the occasion of Republic Day.

Republic Day Live: Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy lays a wreath at Veerula Sainik Smarak at the Army Parade Ground in Secunderabad on the occasion of Republic Day.

Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma unfurled the national flag at his residence on the occasion of 75th Republic Day.

Republic Day 2024 Live: Six Indians will be part of the French military team that will march down the Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath, in New Delhi. The Indians in the French marching squad are CCH Sujan Pathak (Chief corporal), CPL Dipak Arya (Corporal), CPL Parbin Tandan (Corporal), Gurvachan Singh (First Class Legionnaire), Aniket Ghartimagar (First Class Legionnaire), and Vikas Djeassegar (First Class Legionnaire).

Republic Day 2024 Live: The French Armed Forces will participate with a combined Band and Marching contingent, led by Captain Khourda and Captain Noel, respectively. A flypast by French Air & Space Force's Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets will add to the spectacle.

Many critical systems/technologies developed by DRDO will be showcased during the parade. As an enabler of ‘Aatmanirbharta’, the valuable contribution of women scientists of DRDO in core areas of Defence Research has been significant. The DRDO tableau is based on the theme ‘Women power in protecting the nation by providing the defence shield in all 5 dimensions namely Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, and Space’.

Two BSF personnel killed during a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo and current DG (law and order) in UP Police Prashant Kumar, popularly called the "encounter specialist", were honoured for gallantry on Republic Day eve, which saw 1,132 personnel from the police, fire services, home guards, civil defence and correctional service being named for four different categories of police and service medals.

People from different parts of the country have started arriving at Kartavya Path in New Delhi to watch the Republic Day Parade.

The national capital Delhi has been placed under a blanket of security for the 75th Republic Day celebrations with more than 70,000 personnel deployed across the city.

No flights will be allowed to take off or arrive at the Delhi Airport between 10:20 am to 12:45 pm on January 26. The airspace curb came into effect on January 19 in the lead up to Republic Day.

The arrival of the President of India and her French counterpart will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard – ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak’. The President’s Bodyguard is the senior most Regiment of the Indian Army. The two Presidents will arrive in the ‘Traditional Buggy’, the practice which is making a comeback after a gap of 40 years.

The Republic Day parade will begin at 10:30 am and run for a duration of about 90 minutes. The ceremony will start with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade

Special CP Security Deepener Pathak said, "The place of function i.e. duty path, is divided into zones... Many VIPs will come. Invitees, the general public, special invites, all these should be facilitated politely and courteously and there should not be any lapse in security... Threat perception is of a very high degree... Intelligence Agencies, Delhi Police, and Central Agencies have been receiving many types of information. By keeping all that information in the account, strong security arrangements have been made... This year there are many new threat elements and keeping all of them in mind, different types of security arrangements have been made for different zones... VVIP means Head of State, Prime Minister, President, Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, all VIPs, constitutional heads have come, that is also a challenge... A total security plan has been made and implemented on the ground... Our request to all the invitees is to follow the police instructions and use public transport as much as possible."

2023: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt
2020: Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil
2019: Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
2018: Heads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states. These included: Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei; Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia; Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia; Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos; Najib Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia;' Aung San Suu Kyi, State counsellor of Myanmar; Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines; Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore; Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand; Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of Vietnam
2017: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
2016: Francois Hollande, President of France.
2015: Barack Obama, President of the United States
2014: Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan
2013: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan
2012: Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand

On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, 132 individuals, including Indian cinema legends Vyjayantimala, Chiranjeevi, and Mithun Chakraborty, were bestowed with Padma Awards for 2024.

Guests and ticket holders who will be going to watch the Republic day parade may avail metro facility free of cost by displaying their invitation/ticket. Free of cost park and ride bus facility may be availed by the guests and ticket holders from JLN Stadium and Palika Bazaar Parking area.

A total of 1132 personnel of Police, Fire Service, Home Guard and Civil Defence and Correctional Service have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

A band comprising 45 girls from the North East is participating in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2024 for the first time. The girls are in the age group of 13-15, representing the cultural heritage of the northeast and showcasing the reach of the NCC to every nook and corner of the country.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the people of India on the country's 75th Republic Day and hoped to deepen the "vibrant people-to-people ties between our nations". In a statement, he said the past year has been marked by important milestones in "our Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, including our cooperation throughout India's successful G20 Presidency and at the G20 Leaders' Summit".

Flag unfurling involves the process of unfolding a folded or rolled-up flag attached to a rope. On the other hand, flag hoisting involves raising a flag up a flagpole or mast, typically accomplished using a flagpole halyard — a rope or cable designed for raising and lowering the flag.

The flag hoisting process is often accompanied by a ceremonial flag-raising event, featuring a military or civilian honour guard raising the flag while a band plays the national anthem.

For the first time ever, the parade will be heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. The parade would commence with the music of Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc. to be played by these women artists.

In a first, about 1,500 farmers and their spouses have been invited as special guests for this year's Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda will host lunch for the farmers after the parade.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been lit up in tricolour to celebrate India's 75th Republic Day. "On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, the Embassy is lit in tricolour," the embassy wrote on X on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Thursday organised a photo exhibition on the making of the Constitution of India. The exhibition was displayed at Alisher Navoi National Library, Tashkent. During the exhibition, Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Manish Prabhat presented a copy of the Constitution of India in the Uzbek language to the Director of Library Umida Teshabayeva. Students from Shastri School, Tashkent recited Indian songs and Hindi poetry.

-9.30-10.00 am- Dignitary Arrival and Grand Welcome; French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chief Guest is accorded a ceremonial welcome, marking a significant diplomatic moment during the Republic Day celebrations.

-10.30 am - Spectacular Parade Commencement

The Delhi Metro introduced a specially wrapped train to celebrate the 75th Republic Day. The metro train was flagged off by Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar at Mandi House Metro Station on the Violet Line.

Those interested can watch it on state-run channels such as Doordarshan and Sansad TV. Other regional and national news channels will also air the parade live. Those wanting to stream the parade online can do so through several YouTube channels. Primary among these are the channels of the President of India and the Ministry of Defence.

During the Indian National Congress session held at Lahore in 1929, the party took the resolution of Poorna Swaraj or complete independence. Congress declared to observe January 26, 1930 as the total independence or Purna Swaraj Day.

On January 26, 1950, India officially became a republic with the adoption of its constitution. On this day in 1950, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, unfurled the national flag, symbolising the birth of the Indian Republic. Since then, January 26 has been commemorated as a national holiday, honouring the principles of democracy and self-governance.