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Gujarat:  tableau has once again emerged as the public favourite at India’s Republic Day celebrations, securing first place in the Popular Choice Award category at the 77th Republic Day parade held on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the state has topped the public voting, reinforcing its consistent presence among the most widely appreciated parade presentations.

Strong Public Response During National Celebrations

The tableau was presented under the national theme “Swatantrata Ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and attracted widespread attention from spectators lining Kartavya Path as well as viewers following the parade across the country. Its visuals and narrative focused on India’s freedom struggle and the ideals that shaped the nation’s independence movement, resonating strongly with audiences during the annual national event.

Voting Process and Results

According to official details, the Popular Choice Award was determined through a public voting process conducted by the Union Ministry of Defence. Voting was hosted on the MyGov portal and remained open from January 26 to January 27. Gujarat’s tableau took an early lead within the first hour of polling and maintained its position throughout the voting period, eventually securing 43 per cent of the total votes cast.

Uttar Pradesh finished second with nine per cent of the votes. The remaining votes were distributed among 15 other participating states, each of which showcased tableaus reflecting regional heritage, cultural themes, or national priorities aligned with the parade’s overarching message.

Message from the State Leadership

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the achievement as a reflection of public appreciation for the tableau’s depiction of patriotism and the historical role played by Gujarat in India’s freedom movement. In a social media post, he noted that the response highlighted the enduring connection people feel toward the country’s independence struggle and the values that continue to guide national development.

Concept and Design of the Tableau

The tableau was developed by Gujarat’s Information Department and traced the journey of India’s freedom movement through visual storytelling. Drawing inspiration from “Vande Mataram” and the Swadeshi movement, the presentation linked historical calls for self-reliance with the modern emphasis on economic and social self-sufficiency.

Through a series of symbolic elements, the display connected the sacrifices of freedom fighters with contemporary efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities. The narrative reflected how the ideals of the independence era continue to influence present-day policy thinking and development goals.

Visual Narrative from Past to Present

The presentation illustrated a transition from the freedom struggle to the current focus on self-reliance, using motifs rooted in Gujarat’s history and its development journey. The visuals highlighted both cultural heritage and modern progress, offering a cohesive storyline that aligned regional identity with national aspirations.

A Record of Consecutive Wins

Gujarat’s success in the Popular Choice category began in 2023 during the 74th Republic Day parade, when its tableau titled “Clean, Green, Energy-rich Gujarat” topped the public vote. That presentation focused on the state’s initiatives in renewable energy and sustainable development.

In 2024, the state retained its position with a tableau themed “Dhordo, World’s Best Tourism Village – UNWTO,” which also earned second place in the Jury’s Choice category. The following year, in 2025, Gujarat continued its winning streak with “From Anartpur to Ekta Nagar – a remarkable confluence of heritage and development,” showcasing the integration of ancient history with modern infrastructure.

Award Ceremony Details

With the 2026 tableau again receiving the highest public support, Gujarat has now completed four consecutive wins in the Popular Choice Award category. The award is scheduled to be formally presented at the Republic Day concluding ceremony on January 30 at the National Rangshala Camp in New Delhi. The event will be attended by the Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth.