Stepping to pride: Visually challenged students, dancers from Karnataka light up R-Day parade in B'luru and New Delhi

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: As India's tricolour proudly unfurls this Republic Day, marking the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, symbolising India's transformation into a republic, two unique acts will add to the spirit of celebration – students from Bengaluru's Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind and dancers from Nrithyakuteera in New Delhi.

On Bengaluru's Manekshaw Parade Ground, the echo of marching feet will take on a special resonance as 30 proud visually challenged students move in unison.

Their performance, witnessed by the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and other dignitaries, is a testament to resilience and unwavering community spirit.

Expressing their enthusiasm with News Trail, the students of Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind conveyed their pride in participating in the parade and showcasing their patriotism.

After dedicatedly practising for over a month, Pavani, a Class 9 student, emphasised, "It is essential to consistently demonstrate respect for our nation, and I take immense pride in being a part of this."

Echoing her sentiments, Venkatesh Rathid, a Class 8 student aspiring to become an IAS officer and contribute to the nation's service in the future, remarked, "This serves as an opportunity for us to express our profound love for our country."

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, six disciples of Smt. Deepa Bhat will grace the grand parade before the Prime Minister, French President Emmanuel Macron, and a distinguished audience.

Their graceful dance steps, honed under the watchful eye of their guru, promise to enthral the nation.

Anagha A Kashyap, a seasoned software engineer from Bengaluru, shared her exhilaration about her team's remarkable journey, involving a meticulous selection process leading them to New Delhi.

Out of 25 groups, her team secured a coveted spot as one of the four chosen from Karnataka, joining a massive 1500-member ensemble.

Expressing her realisation of the enormity of the opportunity, Anagha emphasised the pride and happiness her team feels in representing Karnataka on such a significant platform.

Reflecting on the initial challenge of blending diverse dance forms within a single performance, she commended the inclusive choreography that gave equal importance to each style.

The experience, she noted, was nothing short of amazing, underscoring the unity in diversity showcased by the 1500 dancers from every state in the country.

Both these groups, miles apart, share a common thread – the joy of representing their community on this momentous occasion.

The Bengaluru students speak of pride in overcoming limitations, while the Delhi dancers express their happiness at showcasing their cultural heritage before such an esteemed gathering.