New Delhi [India]: Gujarat’s state tableau has once again emerged victorious, securing the Popular Choice Award at the 76th Republic Day celebrations for the third consecutive year. The tableau, which beautifully combined heritage and modern progress, reaffirmed Gujarat’s reputation for creating visually stunning and thematically rich displays.
Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, presented the prestigious award at a ceremony in New Delhi. Avantika Singh Aulakh, Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and KL Bachani, Director of Information, Government of Gujarat, accepted the honor alongside other senior officials. The event was further enriched by vibrant dance performances by Gujarat’s traditional artists, showcasing the state’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Celebrating the Achievement
Expressing pride in the accomplishment, KL Bachani, IAS, Director of Information for the Gujarat government, stated:
“We have been winning this award for the last three years. From 2023 to 2025, Gujarat has consistently secured the first spot. Keeping in mind the vision of the Prime Minister’s ‘Swarnim Bharat’ and under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupender Patel, we prepared this tableau, integrating elements of both heritage and modern development.”
A Fusion of Tradition and Progress
Gujarat’s tableau for the 76th Republic Day seamlessly blended the state’s rich cultural heritage with its advancements in modern infrastructure and technology. It featured:
- The 12th-century Kirti Toran of Vadnagar, representing Gujarat’s deep historical roots.
- The Statue of Unity, a modern engineering marvel symbolizing national pride.
- Emerging semiconductor and automobile hubs, highlighting Gujarat’s leadership in cutting-edge industries.
- The Atal Bridge in Ahmedabad and the water sports scene in Dwarka, showcasing infrastructure and tourism growth.
- India’s self-reliance in defense, with a highlight on the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility.
Additionally, the tableau featured the Maniyaro Raas, an energetic folk dance that captivated audiences. The dance also earned third place in the cultural program competition among Republic Day tableau artists from across the country.
Reflecting on the achievement, Bachani emphasized Gujarat’s commitment to preserving and promoting artistic traditions.
“In the coming years, Gujarat will continue to nurture and promote these artistic traditions, which is why we ensured a confluence of these themes in our tableau.”
With this victory, Gujarat continues to set a benchmark in celebrating India’s diversity while embracing its modern ambitions.