New Delhi [India]: In a move to promote greater public participation in events of national significance, approximately 10,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds have been invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on January 26.
An official release highlights that these invitees are regarded as the architects of “Swarnim Bharat” (Golden India) and include top performers in various fields as well as beneficiaries of key government schemes.
Among the invitees are sarpanches from villages that have excelled in achieving targets under selected government initiatives. A national-level competition, organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, selected panchayats meeting goals in at least six flagship schemes.
Several Self-Help Group (SHG) members working in income generation, employment, and environmental protection have been invited. SHGs engaged in areas such as food, nutrition, health, water sanitation, gender equity, and Panchayati Raj Institutions-Community Based Organisations Convergence have been prioritized. Notably, preference was given to SHG members who have never visited Delhi before.
Other invitees include participants of the PM-JANMAN mission, tribal artisans associated with the Van Dhan Vikas Yojna, members of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, ASHA workers, and MyBharat volunteers.
For the first time, disaster relief workers, members of Pani Samitis and Water Warriors, Community Resource Persons, and volunteers for forest and wildlife conservation will also participate. Farmers and families promoting environmental conservation and renewable energy under initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar and PM KUSUM schemes have been included.
Athletes who have made the nation proud, including members of the Para-Olympic contingent, Chess Olympiad medalists, Bridge World Games silver medalists, and Snooker World Championship gold medalists, will also attend as special guests.
To foster innovation, patent holders and startup founders are among the invitees. Schoolchildren who have demonstrated patriotic enthusiasm as winners of the All India School Band Competition and the Veer Gatha competition will join the celebrations as well.
In addition to attending the Republic Day Parade, these guests will visit significant landmarks such as the National War Memorial and the PM Sangrahalay in Delhi. They will also have opportunities to interact with ministers during their visit.