Army chief calls Republic Day 2026 a moment to honour fallen heroes

Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday extended warm greetings to citizens on the Republic Day 2026 saying the occasion offers an opportunity to express gratitude to the nationrsquos immortal heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of dutyIn a message posted on X General Dwivedi said Republic Day is a time to honour the indomitable courage and unparalleled bravery that safeguarded Indiarsquos freedom sovereignty and territorial integrityRepublic Day reinforces importance of ConstitutionHe added that the day also reinforces the significance of the Constitution describing it as the foundation of Indiarsquos democracy and a guiding light for the rights and duties of every citizenCall for collective responsibility towards Viksit Bharat 2047ldquoAs our nation progresses towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 it is our collective responsibility to discharge our duties with honesty dedication and commitment to build a secure stable and capable Indiardquo the Army chief saidIndian Army reaffirms commitment to national securityReiterating the armed forcesrsquo commitment General Dwivedi said the Indian Army remains steadfast in ensuring national security mdash from guarding the borders to disaster relief and nationbuilding efforts mdash and thanked citizens for their trust cooperation and unityRepublic Day parade to showcase Armyrsquos strength and readinessEarlier in the day the Indian Army shared a video highlighting preparations for the Republic Day parade offering a glimpse of its discipline and operational readiness The footage showcased marching contingents and a phased battle array demonstrating the armed forcesrsquo capabilitiesThe parade will feature six marching contingents from the Indian Army including one from the newly raised Bhairav units mdash light commando battalions trained for rapid response and border operationsThe ceremonial procession will also include a select group of animals from the Armyrsquos Remount amp Veterinary Corps comprising two Bactrian camels four Zanskar ponies four birds of prey 10 Indianbreed Army dogs and six traditional military dogsPM Modi greets nation on Republic DayPrime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the 77th Republic Day urging citizens to renew their commitment to a Viksit Bharat In a post X PM Modi said Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day This national festival symbolising Indias pride and honour should infuse new energy and enthusiasm strengthening the resolve for Viksit BharatRepublic Day observed annually on January 26 marks the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950 officially becoming a sovereign socialist secular and democratic republic The day holds immense historical significance as it represents the culmination of Indias long struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice liberty equality and fraternity