The Centre has extended invitations to approximately 10,000 special guests to attend the 76th Republic Day Parade on January 26 at Kartavya Path here.

These invitees represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds, including top performers in various fields and individuals who have made the best use of government schemes, a statement by the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

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These guests are engaged in commendable efforts related to income generation, employment creation, and environmental protection through Self Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs, which work on critical areas such as food, nutrition, health, water sanitation, hygiene, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and gender activities, have been selected. Special preference was given to SHG members who have not previously visited Delhi, it said.

Participants in the PM-JANMAN mission, tribal artisans and members of the Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation initiatives, ASHA workers, and MyBharat volunteers have also received invitations.

In a significant recognition, disaster relief workers, Pani Samiti members, water warriors, community resource persons, and volunteers dedicated to forest and wildlife conservation have been invited for the first time. Similarly, farmers and families who have supported environmental conservation through renewable energy use under schemes like PM Surya Ghar and PM KUSUM have also been included as first-time invitees.

“The government is also honouring exceptional athletes, with special guests from the Para-Olympic contingent, chess Olympiad medalists, bridge world games silver medalists, and snooker world championship gold medalists, all of whom have made the country proud through their achievements in sports. Furthermore, innovators and entrepreneurs, including patent holders and start-up founders, have been invited to celebrate their contributions to India’s progress.

“Schoolchildren who have shown patriotic fervor, including winners of the All India School Band Competition and the Veer Gatha competition, will also be attending the Republic Day ceremony as special guests,” the statement said.

Beyond the Republic Day parade, these distinguished guests will have the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks such as the National War Memorial, PM Sangrahalay, and other prominent sites across Delhi. They will also engage in interactions with respective ministers, further enhancing their experience.