New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Beating Retreat ceremony in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, highlighting a transformative shift in how the nation preserves the legacy of this historic event.
He said the Republic Day festivities are now celebrated from January 23rd — the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash — until January 30th — the death anniversary of Gandhiji. An integral part of this celebration is the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony.
“Today, I am discussing the Beating Retreat with you because there is a specific reason behind it,” PM Modi said.
This ceremony showcases the diverse musical traditions of various bands. Over the past few years, the inclusion of Indian music in this event has increased, and it is being greatly appreciated by the people of the country. This year’s Beating Retreat ceremony was also truly memorable; the bands of the Air Force, Army, Navy, and CAPF delivered exceptional performances.
Traditionally, the Beating Retreat marks the formal conclusion of Republic Day festivities, featuring a spectacular display of military music and precision drills at Vijay Chowk. However, the Prime Minister noted that in the past, the immense hard work and achievements of the participating personnel often faded from public memory once the ceremony ended.
To address this, a highly commendable initiative has been launched to ensure that the spirit of the ceremony lives on throughout the year. This year’s event, which marked the culmination of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, centred on the profound theme of 150 years of Vande Mataram.
For the first time, the government has integrated an extensive digital and physical exhibition framework that allows citizens to engage with the ceremony’s performances and historical context long after the final note is played.
“Friends, after the Beating Retreat, all this hard work and achievement used to gradually fade away. However, now a highly commendable initiative has been undertaken pertaining to it. For the first time, the music of Beating Retreat is also available on WAVES OTT. In the future, it will be available on other platforms as well – you must listen to it. You will be very proud of our Armed Forces and their traditions,” PM Modi said.
A key highlight of this initiative is the use of immersive technology and digital storytelling at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum and through specialised online platforms. These platforms feature high-definition recordings and virtual reality experiences of the 2026 formations, such as the “Matsya Yantra” by the Naval Band and the ancient “Garuda Vyuha” battle formation by the Army Military Band.
By moving these performances into a permanent digital archive and interactive museum exhibits, the government is ensuring that the artistry of the Armed Forces remains accessible to students and the general public.
Furthermore, the 2026 ceremony saw a decisive shift towards Indianness, replacing colonial-era relics with indigenous compositions and formations inspired by Indian heritage.
The initiative also includes pan-India band performances held at historic sites, such as the birthplace of “Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay”, to connect the music of the Beating Retreat with the country’s cultural roots.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that these efforts are not just about a single evening of glory but about honouring the continuous dedication of the soldiers.
By documenting and showcasing their masterful skills, including tributes to ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the triumphs of Nari Shakti, the nation is building a lasting repository of pride that serves to inspire future generations.
(IANS)
