Government parades its pet schemes but many come for glimpse of Obama

In contrast to previous years when the Gujarat tableau would feature folk arts, embroidery and mirror work by artisans, this year, the state’s tableau showcased Modi’s famed project — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 182-metre tall ‘Statue of Unity’ coming up near Sardar Sarovar dam in Gujarat. The tableau also depicted “happy couples rejoicing their rich crop — a result of Sardar Sarovar Yojana”, the presenter claimed.

In line with Modi’s initiative launched in September last year, a separate ‘Make in India’ tableau prepared by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion depicted a mechanised Lion, set against the backdrop of a “smart city” and the various sectors identified for investment. “This is an open invitation to the whole world to come, manufacture in India,” the announcer added.

The tableau by Central Works Public Department showcased a floral presentation of “Gaumukh” — the source of river Ganga, while the tableau by ministry of AYUSH showed a ‘Hakim’ examining a patient and acharyas performing yoga asanas.

The “Walk for Justice” tableau portrayed a Lok Adalat, conciliation efforts at a Village Legal Care and Support Centre, awareness sessions in jails and other services provided through National Legal Services Authority.

Modi’s “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative also featured as a separate tableau depicting the celebration of the birth of a girl child. The 12 girls marching on each side symbolised the omnipresence of women in every walk of life.

Dressed in bright blue and white dresses, students from Govt. Girls’ Senior Secondary School in Nathupura in Delhi performed a dance Swachh Banaye Bharat, themed around the PM’s pet project.

However, when it came to cleanliness in the public enclosures at the parade grounds, people claimed the campaign was “nowhere” to be seen. “You should see the makeshifts toilets and bathrooms that have been put up. There is no flush or water inside. It was disgusting to even step inside,” Vaishali Singh told Newsline.

Apart from these, other interesting features included the Karnataka tableau — done up beautifully in myriad colours, depicting a craftsmen couple making Channapatna wooden toys.

Despite rain and the overcast weather, the parade grounds were full to the seams as thousands thronged to Rajpath to catch a glimpse of Obama. Holding placards that read “We love Obama”, a large number of people — young and old – started pouring into Lutyen’s Delhi before daybreak and stood on their seats to see him as he arrived at the venue.

Officer J S Rathore, who works with the intelligence wing of the Indian Air Force and is posted in Pune, had come to watch the parade with his wife and six-year old son.

“This is the 7th time I am watching the Parade, but today is historic. We are seeing the most powerful man on earth,” Rathore said with a smile.