Selection of Tableaux on the Republic Day | 13 Jan 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Defence has proposed a rollover plan for the States and Union Territories (UTs) to showcase their tableaux in the Republic Day Parade.

• It comes after a few states’ governments have criticized the central government for not allowing it to be a part of the 2024 Republic Day Parade Tableaux.

Which States/Union Territories have been Selected for the Republic Day Parade?

• 16 States and UTs have been selected for the 2024 Republic Day Parade, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
• The MoD has included a provision for States and Union Territories that are not selected for the Republic Day parade to showcase their tableaux at the Bharat Parv.
  • The Government of India organizes the six-day mega event “Bharat Parv” from January 26-31, as part of the Republic Day celebrations. This alternative event takes place at the historic Red Fort.
• The Government has finalized a rotational plan to ensure that every State and Union Territory gets an opportunity to present their tableaux at the Republic Day parade within a three-year cycle (2024-2026).
  • The rotational system, agreed upon by 28 States, intends to provide fair opportunities to all regions, mitigating accusations of political bias and fostering a more inclusive celebration.

What is the Selection Process of Tableaux?

• Ministry Responsible for Conducting Parade:
  • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is responsible for conducting the parade and coordinating arrangements with States and other agencies.
  • Preparations for the ceremony, which has become synonymous with national pride and patriotism, begin months in advance. This process includes the selection and shortlisting of tableaux.
  • The Ministry of Culture collaborates with the MoD in the selection process, given the cultural and artistic nature of the tableaux, supporting in the evaluation and promotion of cultural displays.
• Selection and Shortlisting:
  • There is a standard procedure for selecting parade participants. Every year, months ahead of the event, the MoD invites States, UTs and departments to submit sketches or designs for tableaux on a broad theme.
    • For instance, the theme of 2024 is ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India-Mother of Democracy).
  • The sketch or design must be simple, colourful, easy to comprehend and avoid statistical data and unnecessary details.
  • Additionally, the Ministry shares basic guidelines that must be included in the proposal like the use of eco-friendly material and technology.
  • Writing or use of logos on the tableaux is not allowed except for the name of State/UT presenting, which can be in Hindi in the front, English at the back and in the regional language on the sides of the tableau.
• Committee of Experts:
  • The MoD constitutes a committee of experts from the fields of arts, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, and choreography, among others, to screen proposals.
    • The expert committee, consisting of renowned artists recommended by IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts) and ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), selected the tableaux of 16 States and UTs for the year 2024 parade after four rounds of meetings.
  • In the first phase, the panel carries out a basic evaluation and suggests modifications in the sketch or design.
  • Once the designs are approved post any modifications, participants present a three-dimensional model of the proposed tableau to the panel.
  • These are examined by experts for final selection. Only shortlisted candidates are informed about the next round.

What is Republic Day?

• India became Independent on 15^th August, 1947 which is celebrated as Independence Day.
• Republic Day is celebrated as the day when India acquired a written Constitution and became an independent republic.
  • The term ‘Republic’ indicates that India has an elected head called the President.
• The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26^th January 1950.
  • 26^th November is observed as Constitution Day.
• 26th January was chosen to be observed as the Republic Day because it was on this day in 1930 when the Indian National Congress (INC) declared Purna Swaraj or Indian independence from the British regime.
  • During INC’s Lahore session of December 1929, Purna Swaraj resolution was passed. The session was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru.