𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲

Our member Ms S. Chakrabarty was fortunate to be a part of the Republic Day Parade in Delhi, during mid-60s. She proudly narrates her experience of being a part of the prestigious parade of the Republic Day celebration of India.
Fuelled by my lifelong passion for sports, I shared a deep connection with Monimela, an organization dedicated to providing children with a haven to embrace their childhood and engage in co-curricular activities amid the relentless academic pressures. This ardour for sports led me to join the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
During my college years in the mid-’60s, an opportunity arose for NCC Cadets to participate in the prestigious Red Road parade in Kolkata. This was a gateway to selection for the Delhi Republic Day parade. Undeterred by the challenging practice sessions, alongside 900 cadets, I persevered. Only 12 girls and 16 boys from Kolkata emerged victorious, securing their spots for the final Republic Day parade in New Delhi. I was one of them.
We, the triumphant group, comprising overwhelmed young men and women, embarked on a journey to New Delhi for intensive practice sessions. Separate large tents for boys and girls were provided as accommodations. Temporary toilets were strategically placed at a short distance from the tents.
The arduous practice sessions commenced amidst the biting cold of Delhi in January, which continued for 7 to 8 hours each day. Beyond perfecting the parade skills, we had to take additional responsibilities such as laundering and ironing clothes, maintaining tent cleanliness, and fulfilling various assigned duties. Dinner was served in a separate designated tent meant to be the dining area. We had to maintain predetermined rules, and stand in queues while we were served food from huge utensils. The participants were from all corners of India presenting a diverse cultural tapestry.
It was mandatory for us to wake up early on the pivotal day of January 26th. It was necessary to showcase our attire and also ensure that we wore warm clothes to protect us from the harsh cold. So, we donned woollen garments beneath our dresses. On the day of the show, we were ready by 4.00 a.m. and boarded the trucks to go to the venue where we would execute our meticulously rehearsed performance. We had to parade for 2 to 3 km.
I can still recount the moment when we all collectively saluted the esteemed Prime Minister, Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri, and President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The precision of our parade was an unforgettable life-enriching experience.
The Indian Beating Retreat ceremony on the evening of January 29th, marked the culmination of Republic Day festivities. The event featured captivating performances from representatives of all states, officially signifying the conclusion of the celebrations.
Though the actual participation in the Republic Day Parade may have concluded years ago, the memories are indelible.