On January 26, India will be celebrating its 72nd Republic Day with grandeur. While the hoisting of the national flag and other small events are held in various parts of the country, the main event is at Rajpath, New Delhi, where a magnificent parade, includes one by the Indian Army. Kerala is the meantime, is all set to shine at the event.
A 12 member team from Kerala, including 6 percussionists and 6 ‘Theyyam’ artistes will exhibit their skills on the Republic Day parade. Sandeep, a chenda artiste from Poonjar, Kottayam, who is a part of the team, is on cloud nine as he will be taking part in the parade. Sandeep, the grandson of percussionist Poonjar Sreedharan, is currently undergoing training at New Delhi.
Another highlight of the event would be the chanting of the sacred mantra “Swamiye Saranamayyappa” by the 861 Brahmos regiment, a division of the Indian Army during the Republic Day parade. The mantra will be recited along with other chants like “Durga Mata Ki Jai” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
Meanwhile, an adivasi couple from Iritty, Kannur, were selected to represent the State at the Republic Day parade. K Ajith and Ramya Ravi belong to the Paniya tribal community. Ajith is a temporary watchman at the pre-metric hostel in Iritty. When the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) invited applications from couples who wish to be a part of the programme, Ajith and Ramya came forward.
The couple, who will be flying to Delhi today, will return on February 2. This is the first time that people from the Scheduled Tribe category of the district are getting such an opportunity. Other couples from the Scheduled Tribe category from other States and Union Territories have been selected to participate in the event in Delhi as well.
