Some tableaux on display during the Republic Day parade sought to send a political message. If Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry invoked Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Uttar Pradesh government tried to highlight contribution of Muslims to the culture of the state and Bihar invoked Mahatma Gandhi by depicting the story of Champaran Satyagrah.
However, both the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry and Bihar government justified their themes. The Social Justice and Empowerment said the tableaux was part of 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and the Bihar's displayed the tableau the occasion of centenary year of Chamapran Satyagarah, the first movement led by Gandhi on Indian soil.
In the Social Justice Ministry’s tableau, the popular image of Ambedkar was depicted with its various aspects. He is holding the Constitution of India in his left hand and pointing forward with his right arm.
The tableau shows images of Parliament House, Ambedkar’s memorial at his birthplace in Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, Ambedkar’s handing over to first President of India Rajendra Prasad, his fight against untouchability, the 125th year commemorative coin and commemorative postage stamp.
Bihar tableau shows the story of Gandhi’s first Satyagrah against British in India that which resulted in the abolition of forced plantation of indigo. The tableau of Uttar Pradesh prominently portray weaving of sarees at Varanasi, the Kathak dance form and the Rumi Darwaza, the magnificent structure at Lucknow.
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