Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication and emphasized the responsibility of providing a secure and promising future for girls.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he eloquently described daughters as symbols of strength, courage, and unwavering dedication, brimming with hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow. He issued a powerful call to action, urging a commitment to granting full rights to this half of the population, underscoring the inherent injustice of denying them equal opportunities.

National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24 in India, serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights, education, and well-being of girls. This year, the day saw prominent figures reiterate the urgent need for societal change to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s daughters.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge further reinforced the importance of gender equality as the cornerstone of true progress. He underscored the historical significance of National Girl Child Day, established in 2008 by the Congress-led UPA government, as a testament to India’s constitutional commitment to gender justice.

His message on X emphasized the need for a concerted effort to ensure girls receive quality education, essential healthcare, unwavering safety, and adequate nutrition. He framed the observance of this day not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a potent reminder to recommit to dismantling gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she rightfully deserves.

The origins of National Girl Child Day lie in the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s initiative to address the systemic inequalities faced by girls in India. The day’s significance extends beyond symbolic gestures; it serves as a vital catalyst for broader societal conversations. It highlights the persistent challenges girls face, including issues like female foeticide, the alarming decline in the sex ratio, and the pervasive biases that limit their potential.

National Girl Child Day provides an annual opportunity to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and galvanize collective action. It compels us to examine deeply entrenched societal attitudes and biases, to challenge discriminatory practices, and to advocate for policy changes that genuinely promote gender equality.

The ultimate goal is to create a society where every girl child has the chance to thrive, reaching her full potential without facing the barriers of gender discrimination. This requires a sustained and multifaceted approach, encompassing educational reforms, improved healthcare access, enhanced safety measures, and a concerted effort to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms.

India is all set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day this year, marking the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. As part of the national celebrations, the Republic Day parade, scheduled for January 26, will feature a spectacular display of cultural exhibitions, with a special emphasis on state tableaux. This year’s Republic Day theme is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Heritage and Development), aiming to highlight the nation’s rich cultural legacy alongside its progress and future development.

Fifteen States and Union Territories to showcase their Tableaux

The Republic Day parade will see the participation of fifteen states and union territories, each presenting a tableau that will reflect their unique culture, heritage, and contributions to India’s development. The participating states and UTs include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

In addition to the states and UTs, 15 government ministries and departments will also present their own tableaux, offering insights into the various initiatives and achievements of the Indian government.

Kartavya Path: The heart of Republic Day celebrations

The grand parade will be held on Kartavya Path, the ceremonial avenue in the national capital, New Delhi. While these selected states, UTs, and ministries will take center stage during the parade, the ones not featured at Kartavya Path will have an opportunity to present their tableaux at Bharat Parv, a cultural exhibition organized at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31.

How preparations are underway

To ensure the highest quality and visual appeal of the tableaux, preparations have been in full swing since last year. A senior-level meeting was conducted in April 2024 to finalize the design and execution process. Authorities have emphasized the importance of using vibrant, easily comprehensible designs that convey their messages without the need for written explanations or logos, unless explicitly approved.

The tableaux will feature the names of the states and union territories in Hindi at the front, with English at the back, and regional languages on the sides. Ministries and departments will follow the same format, showcasing their names in both Hindi and English fonts. Virtual reality designs will also be included in some tableaux using CDs and DVDs to enrich the display.

As India gears up to celebrate Republic Day 2025, the tableaux will undoubtedly serve as a visual testament to the country’s diverse heritage, vibrant culture, and progressive path toward development.

At least five people are feared dead following a massive explosion at an ordnance factory in Bhandara, Maharashtra, this morning. The blast, which occurred at around 10:30 am, was of such intensity that it was heard from a distance of 5 kilometers. The incident took place at the ordnance factory located near Nagpur, in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra.

According to District Collector Sanjay Kolte, the explosion led to the collapse of a roof, trapping several people beneath the debris. Initial reports suggest that at least 12 individuals were caught under the rubble, though two have been successfully rescued. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and save survivors, with heavy machinery being brought in to assist with the removal of debris.

Rescue teams, along with medical staff, are actively engaged in the operation, while firefighters work to contain the aftermath of the explosion. A thick cloud of smoke was visible rising from the factory, as captured in a video filmed from a distance. The blast has caused widespread panic, but the full scale of the damage is yet to be determined.

Officials have confirmed that emergency response teams have been deployed at the scene, with hopes of finding more survivors. As the investigation into the cause of the explosion unfolds, authorities are working to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.

This tragedy adds to the growing concerns about safety in industrial areas, with questions likely to arise about the maintenance and safety protocols in place at ordnance factories across the region. Further updates on the situation are awaited as recovery operations continue.