The Hindu : New Delhi News : Rajpath all set to witness riot of colours

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 21, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Rajpath all set to witness riot of colours

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: After becoming the subject of frenzied discussions at national and international forums, racial discrimination is the theme for the Union Culture Ministry's Republic Day tableau this year.

The float showcases how Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off a train in South Africa for being dark skinned. The historic incident that took place in Martizburg and is described as "inhuman racial brutality" has been selected to commemorate the "Satyagraha'' centenary.

Describing the significance of the incident, a plaque on the tableau reads: "Gandhiji's sense of universal social justice aroused, giving birth to Satyagraha movement."

This tableau, standing next to several others, is being readied for the forthcoming Republic Day Parade on Rajpath. More than 500 artisans are engaged in giving final shape to these floats near the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

From creating floats that depict scenes of harnessing nature to the festivals of India, from showcasing women's empowerment to the revolt of 1857, for the artisans it is time to outdo each other in the show of mettle.

While the Jammu and Kashmir tableau, "Shrines of Kashmir" showcases the coexistence of religions, cultures and languages in the State, Arunachal Pradesh's float focuses on how nature is being harnessed. "We are also trying to show how more than 20 different tribes, each speaking their own language, live together in the State," said Takonidak, an artist from Arunachal Pradesh, on Saturday.

Floats showcasing India's military and economic strength will also be part of the Parade. Making its debut, the Remount Veterinary Corps will depict the multiple deployments of the Army dogs for mine and explosive detection, search and rescue operations during avalanches, earthquakes, land slides and counter-insurgency and counter terrorist operations.

The tableau will also show breeding, rearing and training of equines. In all, 26 tableaux from 18 States, seven Ministries and one Department will be included in the Parade on January 26.

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