Empowering India in Gandhian Way; CISF, Tripura clinches award for best tableaus on Republic parade

New Delhi, January 29: Depicting the culture and bringing back those memories, the tableaus presented during the Republic parade oozed out traditional roots of India. With the theme ‘Empowering Rural Economy the Gandhian Way’, Tripura bagged the best state tableau in this year’s Republic Day parade. The second position was bagged by Jammu and Kashmir while the state of Punjab was placed in the third spot.

The awards were presented to the winners by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a function on Monday. In the Department category, the prize was jointly shared by CISF and ICAR.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been awarded the best tableau trophy, amongst all government departments, for showcasing the theme of Mahatma Gandhi and women power through its float during the Republic Day parade on January 26.

CISF had depicted the armed cover provided by it at Raj Ghat, the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, in the lead part of the float that passed through the Rajpath last week. CISF personnel, armed with AK series assault rifles, were deployed at Raj Ghat in 2013. The tableau also depicted CISF security cover provided to the Kishanganga hydro-electric project in the security sensitive area of Jammu and Kashmir, security provided to the Red Fort in Delhi, space installations and Indian airports.

The ICAR tableau in the Republic Day Parade has won the first prize for its Kisan Gandhi theme. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research tableau with the theme "Mishrit Kheti, Khushiyon Ki Kheti" portrayed Gandhi with goats and a cow and Kasturba engaged with charkha and caring animals. The tableau showcased a view from Bapu Kuti at Wardha Ashram.

Tripura’s Information and Cultural Affairs Deputy Director Bhaskar Das Gupta said, “It was a test for the best” and the state through its tableau depicted the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi towards the rural economy. He said the Charkha, weavers and the Swachh Bharat tuned song was a tribute to the Father of the Nation.

Bagging the second prize, J&K Deputy Secretary, Nazir Ladakhi said, “It is a matter of privilege to be a part of the Republic Day parade and getting the second prize from the Defence Minister.”

Punjab, which depicted the Jallianwala Bagh incident, bagged the third position. Secretary, Information and Public Relation of Punjab government, Gurkirat Kripal Singh said that the country was observing the centenary of Jallianwala Bach incident and “We are keen that the incident is showcased so that people know about it”.

“This is the third time the state was getting the award. Earlier it was in 1967 and in 1982, and all throughout in the third position and we hope next time we will get the first prize,” the official said.

Moreover, Navy Children’s School Chanakyapuri, Delhi was adjudged as the best performing school while the Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya Kishan Ganj, Delhi, was given the consolation prize. The CPWD was given a special prize for the floral decoration in the national capital.

As many as 16 states and six ministries and departments participated in this year’s Republic Day parade.