Republic Day 2024: As India prepares to mark its 75th Republic Day on January 26, the anticipation is building for a grand celebration that encapsulates the nations rich traditions, cultural heritage, and strides in progress and achievements. A significant highlight of this years Republic Day will be the distinguished presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.Republic Day 2024: Significance, celebrationsRepublic Day, a pivotal moment in Indias history, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. While the nation gained independence in 1947, this constitutional milestone on January 26, 1950, officially declared India a sovereign state, transforming it into a republic. The day is celebrated with grandeur, showcasing patriotic fervor and cultural diversity.Republic Day 2024: Distinguished chief guests over the yearsOver the years, India has welcomed esteemed dignitaries as chief guests on Republic Day. The list includes leaders from various nations, each contributing to the celebrations international significance. The past decade has witnessed a diverse array of guests: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, featuring leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and 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.Republic Day 2024: A glimpse into the pastReflecting on historical moments, Republic Day has witnessed the presence of many iconic figures wh graced the event with their presence:1957: Georgy Zhukov, Minister of Defence, Soviet Union.1960: Kliment Voroshilov, President of USSR.1961: Queen Elizabeth, UK.1967: King Mohammed Zahir Shah, Afghanistan.1971: Julius Nyerere, President of Tanzania.1995: Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa.2002: Cassam Uteem, President of Mauritius.2007: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.The absence of chief guests in 2021 and 2022 due to the global pandemic underscores the extraordinary times faced by the world.
