Why Military Day parade is being held in Pune not Delhi this yr

For the primary time in its historical past, the Indian Military’s prestigious Military Day Parade is stepping exterior the capital metropolis, making its debut in Pune, Maharashtra.

This determination to rejoice Military Day exterior Delhi is a part of a convention began in recent times to decentralise nationwide navy celebrations. By taking the parade to completely different components of the nation, the Military goals to foster a better reference to residents and encourage a deeper understanding of its contributions and initiatives.

With a bunch of firsts, together with trailblazing ladies officers main contingents, and robo mules, the 2025 parade guarantees to be a celebration of progress, range, and nationwide satisfaction.

Right here’s an in depth take a look at what’s in retailer for this vital event.

However first, What’s Military Day & why is it celebrated?

Military Day is noticed yearly on January 15 to commemorate Lieutenant Common KM Cariappa’s assumption of command as the primary Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Military in 1949, succeeding British Common Francis Roy Bucher.

Since then, this present day has been celebrated to honour the valour, sacrifices and selfless service of the Indian Military personnel who safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and safety.

Historically, the primary Military Day parade was held on the Cariappa Parade Floor in Delhi, the place Service Chiefs paid tribute to the Indian Military’s legacy. The occasion additionally options the show of superior weaponry, and gear, and a vibrant march by troopers.

In recent times, the Military Day parade has expanded its attain past Delhi. In 2023 and 2024, the celebrations had been held in Bengaluru and Lucknow, respectively. This yr, Pune will develop into the third metropolis to host the parade.

However why Pune?

Pune holds a distinguished place in India’s navy historical past and legacy, making it a becoming option to host the Military Day parade.

The town is residence to prestigious establishments just like the Nationwide Defence Academy (NDA) and the Southern Command Headquarters, each important to the nation’s defence ecosystem.

Additional, with its wealthy affiliation with the Maratha Empire, Pune has lengthy been a centre of navy technique, coaching, and operations. The town has been essential to the evolution of India’s armed forces, serving as a coaching floor for navy leaders and an innovation centre in defence methods.

By internet hosting Military Day in Pune, the Indian Military not solely acknowledges town’s contributions but in addition goals to encourage the youth to hitch the armed forces.

The parade, is ready to happen on the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre in Pune.

What’s deliberate for Military Day 2025?

This yr’s Military Day celebrations promise to be a mix of custom and innovation, with the theme of ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’ on the centre, spotlighting modernisation, inclusivity, and public engagement, as reported by India At this time.

On the coronary heart of the occasion is the Military’s dedication to showcasing its progress and preparedness. Guests on the Southern Command Parade Floor will witness a powerful show of indigenous defence gear, together with the Arjun Mk-1A tanks, K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, and superior drones developed below the Make in India initiative.

The celebrations aren’t nearly navy may—they intention to attach with individuals. College students and civilians can look ahead to reside demonstrations of para-jumping and fight drills, together with vibrant cultural performances by Military bands.

Including a contact of worldwide camaraderie, a 33-member Nepal Military band will even carry out within the parade, marking a gesture of friendship and cultural change between the 2 nations, reported PTI.

In a primary, “robotic mules” will be a part of the parade this yr. These progressive machines, designed to hold heavy masses throughout troublesome terrains, will march alongside their handlers, saluting dignitaries with mechanical precision.

The parade will even function a number of crafted tableaux. One will honour the Mission Olympics Wing of the Military, which has helped athletes obtain excellence in sports activities like wrestling and fencing, in addition to Paralympic champions.

Different tableaux will spotlight the important contributions of Military veterans, the Military’s inexperienced initiatives to fight local weather change, and its embrace of cutting-edge applied sciences like drones and nano-tech. One show will even showcase the Military’s efforts to realize net-zero emissions.

Ladies agniveers to paved the way

This yr’s Military Day Parade will function an all-girl marching contingent from the Nationwide Cadet Corps (NCC), marking a major milestone for girls within the armed forces.

An all-women contingent, consisting of Agniveers from the Corps of Army Police (CMP) at Bengaluru, will even participate, with Captain Sandhya Mahla main the 2 teams.

“It is going to be a proud second for me once I lead the 58-member contingent on January 15. Now we have been practising and fine-tuning our drills, and our objective is to be the perfect contingent of the parade,” stated the second-generation officer in an interview with Occasions of India.

Because the Indian Military progresses with its plans for the yr, Military Day 2025 stands as a platform to rejoice, encourage, and honour the nation’s defenders.

With enter from businesses