Vivek Shukla
New Delhi, Jan 24 (.) From US President Barack Obama to Russian President Vladimir Putin, many world leaders have been chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations.
But no foreign dignitary has received as warm a welcome on Kartavya Path as South Africa’s freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, and boxer Muhammad Ali.
Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 1995. As long as Mandela watched the parade, spectators kept chanting his name. Those who witnessed it say that never before had any foreign head of state been welcomed on Rajpath with such enthusiasm.
Like Mandela, the huge gathering on Kartavya Path also greeted boxer Muhammad Ali with thunderous applause. He was a special guest at the 1976 Republic Day parade, at the peak of his career and a global icon.
Muhammad Ali had taken his seat just a few minutes before the parade began. As soon as the loudspeakers announced his arrival on Kartavya Path (then called Rajpath), thousands of people present greeted him with loud cheers. The famous commentator Jasdev Singh was giving the live commentary of the parade that year. He described how Muhammad Ali responded to his admirers by swinging his fists in the air.
Every time he did this, the crowd would erupt with excitement. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was also seen smiling repeatedly while watching Muhammad Ali.
After the terrorist attack on Parliament on 13 December 2001, the government changed the route of the Republic Day parade in 2002. This was the first time the parade route was altered. The route was shortened, and since then, the parade has ended at the Red Fort after passing through India Gate, ITO, and Daryaganj.
As a result, the parade stopped passing through Connaught Place. This deprived people of Delhi of watching the Republic Day parade from Connaught Place, considered the heart of the city.
Earlier, the parade would proceed from Kartavya Path to India Gate and then turn toward Kasturba Gandhi Marg. From there, it would take a full round of Connaught Place’s Outer Circle and then pass through Minto Road, Thomson Road, and Ajmeri Gate before concluding at the Red Fort.
Along this entire route, thousands of people would take their seats from early morning. Patriotic songs echoed everywhere, and at many points live commentary of the parade was broadcast. When the parade reached Connaught Place, a distinct festive atmosphere would emerge. Spectators welcomed the marching contingents of the army and paramilitary forces with applause. By the time the parade reached Connaught Place, the participating soldiers would also relax a little and return the crowd’s greetings with smiles.
People didn’t just watch the parade from the streets; many also gathered on the rooftops of Connaught Place buildings.
Every year, as January arrives, preparations for Republic Day in the capital, Delhi, reach their peak. These preparations are far more extensive than elsewhere, because the Republic Day parade takes place in Delhi itself.
Among the participants in the parade are the brave children, Bal Veer, who are being honored by the nation for their courage, presence of mind, and valor. As they move forward, saluting the President, the crowd gathered on Kartavya Path greets them with loud cheers.
Bal Veer award recipients have been part of the Republic Day parade since 1959. For the past few years, they have been riding in open jeeps, though for a long time earlier, they used to ride on elephants.
Ten days before Republic Day, these children arrive in the capital and participate in parade rehearsals. In addition, they meet important dignitaries such as the President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Chief Minister of Delhi, Lieutenant Governor, and the Chiefs of the Air Force, Navy, and Army. They also visit historical monuments like the Red Fort, Purana Qila, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, as well as recreational places like Fun and Food Village.
Until a few days before Republic Day, these brave children remain in the news, giving interviews. After that, they fade from public view. This situation cannot be considered ideal. Efforts should be made so that children who receive the Bal Veer award are given every possible opportunity by their state governments to progress in life.
Why does the Republic Day parade always begin from Kartavya Path? In fact, Kartavya Path is a significant symbol of India’s journey from colonial rule to independence and becoming a republic.
India Gate reminds us of those martyrs who laid down their lives for the country. Since the Republic Day parade begins from Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), it can be considered the most important road in the nation.
Rajpath begins at Rashtrapati Bhavan, located on Raisina Hill. Between Rajpath and India Gate lies Vijay Chowk, the most crucial area of the parade. From here, after saluting the President, the parade proceeds through the capital’s streets and concludes at the Red Fort.
Usually, discussions revolve around the designers of New Delhi’s iconic buildings, but hardly anyone remembers the name of the unsung individual who oversaw the construction of Kartavya Path. That person was Sardar Narayan Singh.
When the major buildings of New Delhi were being designed, the question arose: who would build the roads here? Sardar Narayan Singh stepped forward and took responsibility for road construction. By the standards of that era, he gave New Delhi and Kartavya Path exceptional roads.
In those days, large stones were laid beneath the roads, followed by layers of gravel and charcoal. Today, urban roads across the country are built using bituminous technology.
Over the years, horses, elephants, motorcycles, military trucks, and massive tanks have all rolled through the Republic Day parade. Yet, not a scratch appears on Rajpath. This durability is a testament to the excellence of bituminous road technology.
. VAN .