Vande Mataram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with applause and accolades at the NDA parliamentary meeting on Tuesday following a landmark trade agreement between India and the US. The meeting, held at the Parliament complex, concluded with alliance MPs congratulating the Prime Minister for securing the deal, which promises immediate tariff relief for Indian exports. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking after the session, welcomed newly elected BJP president Nitin Nabin and noted the visible enthusiasm among MPs over the recent trade developments. Chants of “Jai Modi,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed through the hall as party members praised Modi for the landmark agreement with US President Donald Trump.

In this news report, the focus is on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to poll-bound West Bengal, where he launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Addressing a public rally, Shah held the Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration responsible for the loss of 25 lives in the recent Anandapur incident, alleging that 'the illness completely lies on to the state government' and its casual approach to safety. He further accused the TMC of opposing Vande Mataram to cater to vote-bank politics. A significant highlight of his address was the pledge to completely seal the Indo-Bangladesh border fencing within 45 days, citing national security concerns and a Calcutta High Court directive regarding land procurement. The report details how the Home Minister framed illegal infiltration as a primary issue for the upcoming 2026 elections, while criticising the state's failure to learn from past tragedies in suburban Kolkata.

In this special edition of 5 Live, the focus is on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, which marked the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.

On this special edition of Five Live, Sonal and Gaurav Sawant provide live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony 2026 at Vijay Chowk, marking the culmination of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant highlights the 'major change' in the musical repertoire, noting, 'There’s a lot of decolonization as the government puts it. More Hindi music, instrumental music, Saare Jahan Se Achha of course remains.' The programme captures the arrival of President Draupadi Murmu, escorted by the elite President's Bodyguard, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan. The report details the shift from British-era hymns to Indian instruments like the Mridangam and Tabla, and the historic renaming of Darbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap. The ceremony concluded with a spectacular lighting display of the North Block, South Block, and Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolising a modern, self-reliant India proud of its indigenous cultural heritage and military discipline.

Bands of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and paramilitary enthralled the audiences with an array of foot-tapping melodies, including 'Vande Mataram', 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja', 'Vijay Bharat', 'Sitare Hind' and 'Brave Warrior', at the Beating Retreat ceremony at Delhi's Vijay Chowk on Thursday.

On this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant provides live commentary on the Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, marking the formal end of Republic Day celebrations. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'Post 2014 and especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi very keen on decolonization, now you have the Mridangam, you have the Dhol, you have the Tashe, you have the Nagade.' The report highlights the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, escorted by the President's Bodyguard from the Ganatantra Mandap, formerly known as Darbar Hall. Sawant explains the military significance of the tradition where troops withdraw at sunset and weapons are symbolically sheathed. The ceremony features Indian classical compositions and military bands, including a special performance of Vande Mataram to mark its 150th year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, and the three Service Chiefs were present to receive the President at the majestic Raisina Hill setting.

India celebrated the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026. The prime focus of this year's annual parade was India's Operation Sindoor against the Pakistani terror network and 150 years of National Song Vande Mataram. Watch this out of the box take on India's Republic Day celebrations.

This news report highlights the military spectacle at India's 77th Republic Day parade, focusing on the theme of 'victory through joint action'. The display featured the 'Operation Sindoor' formation, a seven-hour aircraft showcase including Rafales, Sukhois, and MiG-29s. The speaker noted that 'India's air power means business', referencing a report on the IAF's decisive air superiority and the use of BrahMos and Scalp EG strikes. The parade spotlighted India's integrated war machine, featuring the tri-services tableau, the Akash air defence shield, and heavy armour like the T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks. The event also marked 150 years of Vande Mataram, linking the spirit of the freedom struggle to the vision of a developed India by 2047. High-tech security, including raptors and specialized animal contingents like Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, ensured a secure environment for the hardware showcase at Kartavya Path.

On this special report, the focus is on the high-energy Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Republic Day. The ceremony, featuring the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistani Rangers, is marked by aggressive marching, high kicks, and patriotic slogans. The speaker notes that the event 'symbolizes India's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, all that is joined in the Constitution.' The transcript highlights the synchronized lowering of the flags without the opening of gates or handshakes, a practice maintained following specific security considerations. Thousands of visitors gathered to witness the spectacle, chanting 'Hindustan Zindabad' and 'Vande Mataram' as the tricolour was respectfully lowered at sunset. The report captures the intense motivation of the BSF personnel, both men and women, who lead the crowd in a display of national pride and strength at India's first line of defence.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Kamaljeet Sandhu reports live from the Attari-Wagah border, capturing the high-energy Beating Retreat ceremony on Republic Day. Highlighting the patriotic fervor, Sandhu notes, 'This is where India's United comes alive, a heightened patriotic atmosphere.' The transcript details the synchronized march of the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including women officers, amidst a crowd of over 20,000 spectators. Sandhu explains that the border gates remain locked due to security protocols following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, marking a shift from past traditions of opening gates and exchanging sweets. The report contrasts the massive, enthusiastic Indian crowd with the lackluster presence on the Pakistani side. The ceremony culminates in the respectful lowering of the tricolour as the sun sets, symbolizing India's strength and commitment to its constitutional values. The BSF remains on high alert along the 553-kilometer Punjab border to thwart drone activities and external disruptions.

This special report covers the Republic Day celebrations marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and the first parade following 'Operation Sindhu'. The broadcast highlights the display of India's military might, featuring a seven-jet flypast including Rafales and Su-30s, alongside the S-400 systems credited with shooting down Pakistani aircraft. A significant highlight is the public debut of the indigenous Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASHM). An unidentified speaker noted, 'This is an Indian ace that has been long in the making and it's been displayed publicly for the first time.' The missile, capable of traveling from Delhi to Mumbai in 15 minutes, places India among a select group of five nations with such hypersonic technology. The parade also features the first-ever Army Animal Contingent including Zanskar ponies and camels, the Bhairav Battalion showcasing electronic warfare, and AI-enabled security for Delhi Police, underscoring the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

On this Special Report, host Preeti Choudhry leads a panel discussion celebrating India's 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path. Reflecting on the nation's journey, she notes, 'It all stands on one document that has endured 77 years and will continue to endure. And that is the document of the Indian Constitution that holds our diversity together.' The programme features insights from experts including Sandeep Unnithan, Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni, and Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha. The discussion highlights India's indigenous defense milestones, specifically the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASHM) and hypersonic technology, as tools for deterrence. The panel also analyzes the geopolitical significance of the European Union President's presence as the Chief Guest, signaling a 'third front' in global trade. The broadcast concludes by emphasizing the themes of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' showcasing the seamless blend of India's cultural heritage and its future-ready military capabilities under the clear blue skies of Delhi.

On this Special Report, host Preeti Choudhry reviews the landmark celebrations of India’s 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path. The bulletin highlights the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as chief guests, signaling a strengthening of India-EU ties ahead of a major trade deal. Preeti Choudhry notes that the display showcased 'Atmanirbhar Bharat in full flow,' emphasizing India's technological leap in indigenous weaponry and space exploration. The discussion features experts Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, and Sandeep Unnithan, who analyze the success of the IACCS air defence network and the impact of Operation Sindoor in 2025. The programme also celebrates the recognition of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, highlighting space as the new frontier for India’s youth. The broadcast concludes with the Prime Minister’s traditional walk to acknowledge the crowds, marking 77 years of the Republic and 150 years of Vande Mataram.

On this special broadcast, India Today editors Preeti Choudhry and Sandeep Unnithan provide live commentary on the conclusion of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Preeti Choudhry notes that the event marks '77 years of India being a true republic, where we as a country celebrate our diversity, our resilience'. The duo highlights the spectacular Indian Air Force fly-past, which was clearly visible under clear blue skies unlike previous years. Sandeep Unnithan discusses the geopolitical significance of the European Union leadership's presence as chief guests and the ongoing military success of 'Operation Sindoor'. The programme captures the departure of the President of India, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, escorted by the President's Bodyguard. The editors reflect on India's journey from adopting its constitution to its current status as a formidable global power with sophisticated defense capabilities, concluding the ceremony with a message of 'Jai Hind' to the viewers.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the geopolitical significance of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. Executive Editor Sandeep Unnithan highlights the unique 'bonhomie' between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief guests, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Unnithan observes that the Prime Minister's decision to stand and personally explain the tableaus to the EU officials is a departure from tradition and a powerful symbol of 'personalised diplomacy'. He notes that this interaction signals to the world that 'India has made its choices in this turbulent world' and intends to be at the 'high table of the powers that matter'. The programme also details the cultural display, including 31 tableaus and the theme of 'Vande Mataram', reflecting India's diversity and freedom struggle. Anchor Preeti Choudhry joins the discussion, noting the political messaging behind the Prime Minister's engagement with high-level visitors during the parade.

During the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the commentator noted the conspicuous absence of key opposition figures, including the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Rajya Sabha LOP Mallikarjun Kharge. The broadcast highlighted the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' theme across various tableaux. 'Vande Mataram is the theme of this float of West Bengal and understandably so because it is the tabla which begins with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay whose composition Vande Mataram in 1875 became the eternal mantra,' the speaker observed. The parade featured 17 states and union territories, including Maharashtra’s cultural display, Madhya Pradesh’s tribute to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and Odisha’s 'Soil and Silicon' narrative. The Manipur tableau focused on a journey toward prosperity from agricultural fields to international markets, amidst hopes for peace in the state. Cabinet ministers including Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, and JP Nadda were seen in attendance as the Department of School Education and Literacy and Panchayati Raj floats also made their way down the Kartavya Path.

On this Special Report, anchor Preeti Choudhry provides live commentary on the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, highlighting the vibrant tableaus from various states and Union Ministries. The broadcast showcases Assam's terracotta art, Gujarat's 'Vande Mataram' theme, and Tamil Nadu's focus on self-reliance. Preeti Choudhry notes that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship's float is 'Building a Self-Reliant Future-Ready India' while the Ministry of Home Affairs features the historic enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The programme emphasizes India's 'Atmanirbharata' or self-reliance, alongside its ancient traditions like Ayurveda and Yoga represented by the Ministry of Ayush. Guest Sandeep joins the discussion, comparing India's diversity to the European Union and praising the improving aesthetics of the floats. The report captures the essence of India's cultural heritage and its journey toward becoming a future-ready nation through these 31 distinct tableaus.

On this Special Report, anchors Preeti Choudhry and Sandeep Unnithan cover the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The bulletin highlights the presence of chief guests Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. A significant focus is placed on India's military resilience following 'Operation Sindoor' and the push for 'Atmanirbharta' in defence. Sandeep Unnithan notes, '2025 is a watershed moment in India's defense evolution,' emphasizing the use of indigenous weaponry like the 105mm Indian Field Gun for the 21-gun salute. The programme details Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute at the National War Memorial and the theme of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The discussion also touches upon the geopolitical significance of China's Republic Day message amidst its proxy support for Pakistan, framing the parade as a display of India's strategic resolve and civilizational continuity.

Anchor Preeti Choudhry leads the coverage of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations from Kartavya Path, marking the first parade since the execution of Operation Sindoor. The event showcases India’s military strength and technological sovereignty, featuring a phased battle display, the S-400 air defence system, and the debut of indigenous hypersonic missiles. The aerial flypast includes the Operation Sindoor formation with Rafale and Sukhoi-30 jets. European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attend as chief guests, highlighting geopolitical ties and ongoing India-EU trade negotiations. The broadcast includes analysis from Sandeep Unnithan and military veterans on defense self-reliance and the Gaganyaan mission, specifically recognizing astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla. Reports from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Chandigarh document nationwide celebrations, while Bill Gates acknowledges India's digital infrastructure and AI innovations. This bulletin captures the transition of India into a global geo-economic power, emphasizing the spirit of Vixit Bharat and the nation's commitment to its constitutional values.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The programme highlights the prestigious awarding of the Ashoka Chakra to Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, following his historic space mission. The broadcast captures the 'showering of flower petals by the Indian Air Force helicopters' as the parade commenced under clear blue skies. Special attention is given to the presence of the Chief Guest, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose attire was noted for reflecting Indian craftsmanship. The bulletin also honours living Param Vir Chakra winners, including Bana Singh and heroes of the Kargil War, who took the salute. The discussion emphasizes that while the Ashoka Chakra and Param Vir Chakra are presented on Kartavya Path, other gallantry awards are conferred at the Rashtrapati Bhavan investiture ceremony. The report reflects on the motivation and recognition provided by these national honours to the men in boots serving the country.