While the three southern states showcased their tableaux on the 75th Republic Day, the tableaux of Karnataka and Kerala were rejected.
Published Jan 26, 2024 | 2:17 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 26, 2024 | 2:18 PM
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu Republic day tableaux. (Screengrab)
India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on Friday, 26 January, with a grand display of its women’s power and military might that included elite marching contingents, displays of missiles, warplanes, surveillance gadgets and lethal weapon systems, with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing the occasion as the chief guest.
This Republic Day, tableaux are all set to display “women empowerment” at Kartavya Path — previously Rajpath — as the Centre aims to make the programme a women-centric one with the motto “Viksit Bharat”.
For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent marched down the Kartavya Path, reflecting the country’s growing “Nari Shakti” (women’s power).
In another first, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments such as sankh, naadswaram and nagada instead of traditional military bands kickstarting the celebrations.
Andhra Pradesh’s tableau at the 75th Republic Day parade in Delhi on Friday showcased the “transformation” of school education in the state with the reforms brought in by the government.
The front part of the tableau displayed the old system of education with students sitting in a village classroom with slates and a teacher conducting the class.
Its rear side displayed the concept of a modern playschool with children on either side. It also displayed a science lab with students.
The tableau also displayed a digital classroom with interactive panels and smart TV, with an arch showing bilingual textbooks, science articles and mathematical instruments.
Tamil Nadu’s tableau highlighted the historical significance of the Kudavolai electoral system, which emerged during the 10th-century Chola era and marked an early stride towards democracy.
Used to elect representatives to run the village administration, it voiced the collective will of the people.
Historical evidence for this system is documented in the Uthiramerur inscriptions located in the Kanchipuram district.
The tractor section of the tableau featured a sculptural representation of the selection process. People from a specific ward would line up to drop their voting tickets into a pot.
To announce the elected leader, a small boy would pick a ticket from the pot, and the result would be declared loudly for everyone to hear. The process was considered sacred.
The trailer segment illustrated the selection process and the crafting of the Village Development Plan.
In this context, a tom-tom played a significant role in conveying crucial information to the villagers. The gathering of community members under a banyan tree for the preparation of the Village Development Plan is depicted, reflecting the communal nature of decision-making.
The tableau also featured a scale model of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur where the Kudavolai system was practised, showcasing its integration into the local culture.
Telangana’s tableau honoured the legacy of tribal freedom fighters who emerged as guiding lights during India’s struggle for independence.
The tableau celebrated the heroic efforts of leaders like Komaram Bheem, Ramji Gond and Chityalallamma (Chakalillamma), whose indomitable spirits have become integral to the folklore of the region.
Komaram Bheem and Ramji Gond stood tall, advocating for the freedom, dignity, and rights of indigenous tribal communities.
They employed guerrilla warfare tactics to garner broad support and spread a powerful message of empowerment and justice encapsulated in the rallying cry “Jal, Jangal, Zameen (water, forest, land)”.
Chityalallamma, or Chakalillamma, stood as a witness to the exploitation faced by tillers and farmers under the yoke of feudal landlords. Her unyielding resolve galvanised these communities to confront and challenge their oppressors.
These visionary figures continue to serve as beacons of inspiration, embodying democratic values of justice and equality while advocating for the rights of marginalised communities.
In modern times, the establishment of gram sabhas and panchayats stands testament to the enduring impact of these freedom fighters.
These grassroots institutions empower local tribal populations, ensuring that their rightful claims to “Jal, Jangal and Zameen” are recognised and protected.
Karnataka’s proposal for a tableau showcasing the life of Mysuru ruler Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Kittur Rani Chennamma who fought against the British, like Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai, and Bengaluru founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda were rejected by the Union government.
Hitting out at the Union government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 9 January said, that the Union government denied Karnataka a tableau because there is a Congress government in the state.
The chief minister had recalled that Karnataka faced a similar situation last year as well, when the state’s tableau was initially rejected but later permitted, keeping Karnataka elections in mind.
“This time, the central government has again continued its trend of insulting Kannadigas,” he charged.
Similarly, Kerala’s tableau also was rejected by the Defence Ministry. The Kerala tableau was not shortlisted in 2019, 2020, and 2022 also.
(With PTI inputs)
