India celebrated its 71st Republic Day on January 26, 2020. Showcasing strength, diversity and pride, India led an impressive Parade show that was marked by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonar as the Chief Guest, besides political dignitaries and locals.
This year’s Republic Day was unique for India in many different ways as compared to the previous years.

Among the many first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi payed homage to the fallen soldiers at the newly built National War Memorial instead of Amar Jawan Jyoti beneath the India Gate arch.
For the first time, newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat attended the Republic Day parade.

The day also saw an all-woman biker contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) make its debut as a part of the 71st Republic Day Parade. Another key highlight of the 71st Republic Day Parade was inclusion of the Dhanush artillery gun for the first time.
So while this year’s celebrations created history in many ways, lets dive into the history and take a look at how the first ever celebrations of India’s Republic Day, happened. Some glimpses of Republic Day celebrations from the country’s early years as a republic have surfaced in a video.

While the date or the source of the videos and pictures are not known, it has been shared by YouTube channel British Pathé.

The 6.28-minute rare footage features first prime minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first vice president Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and other officials. Showcasing the magnificence of the Indian armed force, the video also shows the march past of the Indian troops and the civil servants. Rolls-Royce and elephants in the procession are some other highlights of the rare footage.