New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) Participants of 'Mann ki Baat', the monthly radio program hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be joined by construction workers from Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis, and around 10,000 other distinguished guests from various sectors to witness the Republic Day Parade, as confirmed by an official on Monday.

A representative from the Defence Ministry stated that the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26 will feature a special guest list comprising individuals who have made significant contributions to income and employment generation, top innovators, researchers, start-ups, self-help groups, and notable achievers under key government initiatives.

This year's distinguished Chief Guests will include European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The selection of 10,000 special invitees aims to honor their contributions towards nation-building and to enhance 'Jan Bhagidari' during national events, according to an official statement.

Noteworthy invitees include winners from various international sports competitions, rehabilitated transgenders and beggars under the PM SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme, and outstanding scientists and technical personnel involved in recent ISRO missions such as Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan.

Participants will also include foreign delegates and an Indian delegation from the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP)-2026, along with delegations from the second Global Buddhist Summit 2026 and international Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics winners.

These special guests will enjoy prominent seating at Kartavya Path.

Moreover, arrangements have been made for these guests to tour the National War Memorial, PM Sangrahalay, and other significant landmarks in Delhi.

They will also have the chance to engage with respective Ministers, as stated in the announcement.

The Ministry has extended invitations to representatives of top-performing MSMEs that have benefited from the Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund, farmers engaged in natural farming, and trained MAITRI (Multipurpose AI Technician in Rural India) individuals who provide animal husbandry services and enhance cattle breeding.

This special invitation list includes the best-performing start-ups in sectors such as Innovation, Space, and Medical, winners of the Veer Gatha project, Sarpanches of Panchayats achieving saturation in central government schemes, and villagers who have received pucca houses under the PM Awaas Yojana Grameen Scheme, along with outstanding women artisans trained under the Mahila Coir Yojana.

This year’s Republic Day Parade promises a unique celebration, highlighting 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', showcasing India's military prowess with advanced systems such as BrahMos and Akash missiles, and featuring rich cultural diversity through 30 vibrant tableaux, as per the Ministry of Defence.

Being the first Republic Day Parade following Operation Sindoor last year, it is set to present a remarkable display of military strength with modern defence platforms and a spectacular flypast by 29 aircraft.

The flypast will feature various aircraft including Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 in different formations.

The Republic Day Parade will highlight advanced defence systems and feature a captivating cultural performance by 2,500 artists, celebrating Vande Mataram and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', according to the Ministry of Defence.