January 21, 2002
'33'
TWENTY EIGHT TABLEAUX TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S REPUBLIC DAY PARADE
This year’s Republic Day Parade showcases twenty-eight tableaux representing various states, departments and ministries of our country. Each tableau is aesthetically designed and decorated to depict its theme.
STATES & UNION TERRITORIES
ASSAM - Rhythms
The tableau presents the indigenous musical instruments of the State, that create enchanting and soul stirring music. Assam with its diverse ethnic and cultural streams is the repository of an amazing wealth of folk traditions. The folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments. The thread of continuity between the distant past and the present- music and dance has been an essential part of folklore of different ethnic groups of Assam.
The folk artiste is playing the ‘Charinda’ a popular folk instrument.
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS- Life Style
The Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, an archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks is situated on the east of the Indian mainland. The tableau of Andaman & Nicobar presents a glimpse of the life style of its people. Raised wooden huts, shelters, coconuts, snakes, scorpions and other wild animals, which are a part and parcel of the tribal people, are seen on the tableau. The float also shows the sea birds. Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to some 218 species of birds.
BIHAR- Bhagalpur Silk
Silk – the queen of textiles since time immemorial has fascinated one and all. India is one of the major silk producing countries in the world. Indian weavers have captured world attention with their traditional motifs, which are renowned for their aesthetic value. Bihar’s Bhagalpur silk has a place of distinction and pride in the world of silk.
The silk industry of Bhagalpur has generated remarkable employment and also sustained the state economy. Synonymous with sleek splendour, Bhagalpur silk is sibilant with luster. Conjured from the strand of a lowly worm, silk has reigned supreme as the leader of Indian textiles. The float shows the silk moth.
CHHATISGARH- Dhokra Craft
Once in Madhya Pradesh and now carved out into a distinct State of its own, Chhatisgarh presents an old but dying Dhokra Craft. Crafted out of metal through indigenous methods by the various tribes of the state, the distinctive design and form of Dhokra craft reflects the inherent expression of their feelings.
The new State of Chhatisgarh has tried to manifest its unique identity through this tableau.
NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHI- Communal Harmony
Delhi- India’s capital, inherited by people from all regions and religions is a living example of communal harmony and tolerance. "Phool walon ki sair" festival is a symbol of this communal harmony that is celebrated in Delhi every year in the month of October at Mehrauli. Along with the whiff of autumn breeze comes alive the dawn of unity and togetherness every year at Mehrauli.
The tableau of Delhi depicts phool walon ki sair with a procession of people guided by Shenai and drum players. The procession is accompanied by beautifully decorated floral fans called ‘Pankhas’, fresh flowers and garlands is heading to the dargah of 13th Century Sufi Saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtyar Kaki and the Yogmaya temple located next to the dargah. In the background of the temple and the dargah the replica of Qutub Minar is shown. Devotees are also seen offering Chadar at the Temple and floral Chadar at the dargah.
GOA- Harmony
Since time immemorial, different dynasties and rulers ruled Goa. Goa’s rich and diversified culture is woven into a thread of unity amongst the Goan people. Goa is one state in India that has experienced various historical influences. Yet, full credit goes to the Goan people for preserving their rich culture despite being under foreign occupations for a long time. Goa’s history has been preserved by the gratitude, strength and courage of its people.
The tableau of Goa showcases religious harmony by focusing on the Deepastambha, the Cross, Ghode Modni followed by a chariot. Western royal attire of kings and regional dances being performed depict the unique blend of different religions and cultures of the State. The festival of music and dance Shigmo Mel signifies unity in diversity.
GUJARAT- Earthquake & Rehabilitation
The tableau of Gujarat presents the devastating earthquake that rocked the State on 26th January 2001 causing enormous loss of life and property. Although the fury of nature was at its worst causing untold hardships to the people and paralyzing normalcy temporarily, it has not suppressed the resilience of the human spirit of rising from debris and starting life afresh. Today, Gujarat is as normal and upbeat as it was before the earthquake. The ‘dry tree’ and ‘live tree’ on the tableau symbolically represent the destruction and regeneration forces at play. The float seems to show human spirit never dies it only gets momentarily shaken.
JAMMU & KASHMIR- Composite Culture
Kashmir, the ‘Paradise on Earth’ is known for its landscape, lush green valley, sparkling streams, placid lakes, and snow-capped mountains. It also has Sufi saints and rishis who have contributed immensely to symbolize Kashmir and its composite culture.
The tableau of Jammu & Kashmir presents the harmonious coexistence of its people of different faiths. The focus is on the existence of the historic Gurudwara, Mosque and Temple in the vicinity of the foothills of hari parvat- the fort built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. People used to come to pray every year irrespective of their religion. In continuation of this noble tradition, Kashmiri people come to these shrines to pray even today.
KERALA- Kettuvallam
The tableau of Kerala depicts Kettuvallam – a sort of a house boat, made entirely of jackwood plants tied (kettu) together with strong coir rope to form a huge barge (vallam). The boat is constructed without using a single nail and is coated with a special resin obtained from boiling cashew kernels. Each a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship, the kettuvallams last, not just for years but also for generations. It is a floating piece of history, which has weathered the changes of time. The tableau also showcases the renowned classical dance form of Kerala- the Kathakali .
MADHYA PRADESH- Mandu
The tableau of Madhya Pradesh depicts the famous ‘Jahaz Mahal’ in Mandu. Also known as ‘Pleasure Palace’, Jahaj Mahal was built by Gayasuddin Khilji in the 15th century. The replica of the first floor of Jahaj Mahal presented in the tableau provides a lovely backdrop for the soul stirring music.
The tableau also showcases Baz Bahadur riding with his consort Rani Roopmati derived from miniature painting of Malwa. The love story of the royal lovers Baz Bahadur and his beloved Rani Roopmati symbolize the unification of two cultures.
MAHARASHTRA- Govinda Ala
The tableau of Maharashtra presents the concept of the unseen in the form of young Lord Krishna’s birth. This popular event, takes place on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month every year. It is also known as janamashtami and also Govinda. People offer prayers in temples at midnight the hour at which Lord Krishna was born. The float attempts to capture the spirit of gaiety and festivity of this occasion with the backdrop of a middle class setting in the city of Mumbai. The float shows boys and girls making human pyramids to reach the pot (matki) of yoghurt, fruits and honey which is tied at a high place. While climbing they chant Govinda Ala Re Ala. The tableau also shows two bulls depicting the rural Maharashtra.
MEGHALAYA- Orchids & Butterflies
Meghalaya meaning the land of the clouds abounds in many exotic varieties of butterflies and orchids. The variety of butterflies has also earned Meghalaya the epithet– Land of Butterflies. Blue Pansy, Orange Oak leaf, Blue Admiral, Painted Lady and Autumn Leaf are some of the exotic varieties of the butterflies found in the state. The state also has numerous varieties of exquisite orchids dotting its hills and forests. In the land of the clouds, nature and animal life present beauty, bounty and a riot of colours.
MIZORAM- Bamboo Crafts
Mizoram is the land of the highlanders tucked away in the North-Eastern fringe of India. It is home to distinct and vibrant arts and crafts. Drawing from nature’s abundant gifts, the Mizo handicrafts have been transformed over the years from mere functional pieces into works of art. This ability to improve and adapt creativity to new needs, lifestyles and changing times has to do with the art and craft being an anchor of originality and strength to the Mizos. The crafts form an intrinsic part of the Mizo lifestyle. The tableau of Mizoram also presents the Cheraw dance, one of the most colourful of Mizo dances. Bamboos are an integral part of this dance – so much so that the dance is also popularly called as Bamboo dance.
PUNJAB- Sheesh Mahal Patiala (Medal Gallery)
The medal gallery, Sheesh Mahal Patiala houses one of the largest collections of Orders, Decorations and Medals. The collection is perhaps unmatched in the world in its variety. There are more than 3200 Orders, Decorations and Medals in this Gallery. The enormity and magnificence of this collection is apparent by the fact that the collection covers the history of over seven centuries and geographically spans about six continents. There are two medals in this collection, which relate to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, probably the first Indian ruler to institute a medal. The tableau of Punjab showcases the medal that was awarded after AD 1821 and prior to AD 1837 the ‘Order of Ranjit Singh’.
TRIPURA- Unakoti
An important mythological and archaeological site in Tripura, Unakoti is a Bengali term which means one less than a crore. A religious fair takes place once a year on the occasion of Ashokastami in the month of Chaitra. Unakoti is situated about 176 Km from Agartala. A large number of images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are found on the rocky walls of the hill slopes. Some are half hidden beneath the thick undergrowth with the other half buried in the ground. Tripura’s historical legacy is once again retold on this float. The tableau showcases the central Shiva head and gigantic Ganesha figure.
UTTAR PRADESH- Holi
Holikotsava or Holi the festival of colours is celebrated all over India in March in spring. Mythologically, the festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Holi celebrations in Western Uttar Pradesh, especially in Mathura and Brindavan are well-known. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh shows men, women and children playing Holi by splashing colour on each other ignoring differences of age, caste, creed and religion. The tradition of splashing one another with colour would have started just to express feelings of gaiety and happiness. The colours of Holi give out the message of love, brother hood and national unity. Colour enlivens existence and relieves it from its dull monotony.
DEPARTMENTS & MINISTRIES
CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT- Houses
The tableau depicts the distinguished styles and large varieties of l houses in different parts of the country like the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, the flat Gangetic plains, the coastal shores of the South India, the exotic valley of Kashmir and the hills in the East. construction of houses tends to take different shapes based on the physical features of the region. The tableau also depicts the concept of diversity in unity in true sense of the term. The entire tableau is made up of flowers painstakingly assembled to give it the most exquisite depiction of the various types of houses in India. Houses in flowers are a tribute to the men and engineers of the CPWD.
KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES COMMISSION- Khadi
The tableau’s focus is on Khadi- the fabric that is irrevocably associated with India’s struggle for freedom. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has a strong presence in rural India. The tableau of KVIC highlights the importance of Khadi in our lives in rural, social, economical and cultural fronts. KVIC is a catalyzing factor in the growth of rural India, giving thrust to agro-rural industries. In the present scenario, the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi and his vision of self-reliant India is very much valid and KVIC continues to pioneer that spirit till today.
MINSTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FOREST- Bishnoi & Chipko
The theme is conservation of the forest encompassing the Indian tradition of love, respect and reverence for nature. The float shows the people of Bishnoi village of Rajasthan in 1730, protecting the trees from felling by laying down their lives. This noble tradition found echoes in the Chipko Movement, spear-headed by the women folk of Gopeswar village in Garhwal Himalayas. They effectively stopped commercial felling of trees by hugging the trees when lumbermen arrived to cut them. This simple, yet effective action has eventually saved 12,000 square kms of sensitive water catchment area. Through Bishnois and Chipko Movements, the tableau carries forward the message of conservation of nature which is of utmost importance in the present day context.
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT- The Year of Books
The tableau of Ministry of Human Resource Development demonstrates the salutary effect of reading habit on the human life. The entire tableau is about books and reading habits. The slogan for the Year of Books – ‘Books for All and All for Books’ signifies the relevance of the books and generated awareness campaign during the Year of Books. Through the ages books helped man knit his dreams, thoughts, hopes and aspirations into words. Books not only enable us to understand things in the correct perspective but also equip us to fight against social and economic exploitation, empower us intellectually and can imbibe in us a sense of pride in our national culture.
INDIAN MOUNTAINEERING FOUNDATION- International Year of Mountains
India has the largest and the most diverse mountains ranges, extending from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh running through the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, West Bengal and Sikkim. In the wake of the United Nations declaring the Year 2002 as International Year of Mountains, there is a need to preserve the treasure of nature on the mountains to retain and protect the pristine beauty and magnificence of the mountains. The tableau highlights the importance of community involvement in the conservation of mountains. A small group is shown planting trees to maintain the ecological balance which has been seriously disturbed on account of continuous deforestation. Also shown are a few people clearing the mountains of non-biodegradable materials like plastic bags and tin cans etc. to conserve the mountains.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE- Oldest Gun Factory : Cossipore
With the first Ordnance Factory being set up at Cossipore in Bengal in 1802 and the subsequent addition of 38 Ordnance Factories over the years, the Indian Ordnance Factories (IOF) possess the unique distinction of 200 years’ experience in defence production. The tableau of Ordnance Factories Board shows its symbolic growth of the Organisation and its services to the nation in the last two centuries. It showcases the evolution of guns from being handcrafted items to those made by state-of-the-art machines. The float depicts the historic 200 year old Gun and Shell Factory gate and the brotherhood between the Armed Forces and Ordnance Factory workers, which has earned the IOF the sobriquet ‘Fourth Arm of Defence’.
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS- Antiquity of Modernity
As the principal mode of transport for the common man, core industry and the largest employer, Indian Railways plays a significant role in nation building. Having built a rail infrastructure that is comparable only to the best, the Indian Railways today is poised to scale new heights of excellence supporting India’s march towards modernity. The tableau depicts the journey of Indian Railways from antiquity to modernity. Our proud heritage and the oldest steam engine The Fairy Queen’ locomotive built in 1855, which is still in service between Delhi & Alwar is showcased on the float. The Fairy Queen has won laurels for India by entering the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest working steam locomotive.
The rear portion of the float introduces the state-of-the-art microprocessor controlled, high horse power, three phase drive WAP (Passenger) & WAG (Goods) Electric Locomotives enabling the railways the required drive for a higher and more efficient scale of functioning.
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT-Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yogana
The country has registered impressive growth in many sectors yet poverty continues to remain a grave concern. Keeping this in view the government has launched a plan called Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana (SGRY) on 25th September 2001. SGRY – a Centrally sponsored scheme is aimed at providing additional employment in rural areas. In order to ensure peoples’ participation, the scheme will be implemented through Panchayati Raj Institutions. The tableau depicts different aspects of this programme such as development oriented work being done in the drought-affected areas, employment generation and nutrition security.
INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION- Satellite & Launch Vehicles
India successfully carried out the first developmental test launch of its Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on 18th April 2001 from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota. India achieved a milestone in Indian space programme, demonstrating its capability to launch communication, broadcasting and meteorological satellites into geo-synchronous orbit at a height of about 36,000 kms. Successful test launch of GSLV enabled India to join an exclusive club of just six nations (USA, Russia, Japan, China & Europe) who have this capability. The tableau depicts a 1:2 scale model of GSLV lifting off from its launch pedestal with the umbilical tower & Mission Control Centre behind it. It also showcases the model of the other satellites such as Polar Satellites Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3). The orange coloured Rohini Sounding Rockets of ISRO seen on the float are used for conducting experiments in atmosphere and for other sciences.
MINISTRY OF TELECOMMUNICATION-Telecommunication– Lifeline of India
Telecommunications is ushering in a major revolution today. This is more evident in the rural areas where it is bringing in prosperity and happiness.
The tableau shows a larger than life telephone and receiver signifying the importance of the telephone as an instrument of telecom revolution and its reach to the remotest corners of India. On the float, the globe depicts the conversion of the world into a global village with the aid of telecommunications.
The satellite symbolizes the connecting factory while the villagers learning and utilizing a computer shows the effective use of telecom through Internet in rural areas. In the side panel of the tableau, history of telecommunications is shown, beginning with Graham Bell- the inventor of telephone.
MINISTRY OF TEXTILES- Handlooms and Handicrafts
The economic model of modern India still has as its base a strong urban-rural relationship and their handicrafts and handlooms are the connecting umbilical cord between the two. The tableau showcases the masterpieces of the crafts, which transcend the borders between tradition and modernity and still enjoy mass appeal in urban India. The tableaux led by terracotta Bankura of West Bengal and a wood lacquer figure of Karnataka, represent clay and wood which have been the two oldest raw materials for Indian crafts. The float also displays urbanized products: Bastar’s bell metal, Andhra’s Bidri work, various potteries, embroideries, carpets and handlooms of India.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM- Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism is defined as traveling to relatively undisturbed natural surroundings with the specific objective of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenic beauty as well as the existing cultural aspects found in the area.
The tableau of Ministry of Tourism depicts different elements of Eco-tourism like water, desert, air and mountains. The government, local authorities, the developers, visitors and the local community are all key players in the development of Eco-Tourism.