Gandhinagar, 29 January: Gujarat’s tableau themed ‘Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram’ created history by winning the ‘Popular Choice Award’ for the fourth consecutive year at the 77th Republic Day parade held at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The tableau attracted significant attention and appreciation from the audience, highlighting the state’s patriotic spirit and the contributions of its freedom fighters.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his happiness over this esteemed achievement by Gujarat’s tableau, prepared by the State Information Commissioner’s office. He stated that the tableau effectively showcased Gujarat’s patriotism and the role played by its freedom fighters, which earned widespread public support and admiration.
Sharing his thoughts on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote, “It is a matter of great joy that Gujarat’s tableau has made history by securing the first position in the ‘Popular Choice Award’ category for the fourth consecutive year at the national parade on the 77th Republic Day in New Delhi. The ‘Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram’ theme generated great interest and appeal. The tableau, reflecting both patriotism and the contributions of Gujarat’s freedom fighters, received immense appreciation. Previously, Gujarat’s tableau won this award in 2023, 2024, and 2025 as well.”
The online voting conducted by the Ministry of Defence on the MyGov portal from 26 January to 27 January midnight saw Gujarat leading from the first hour through to the end, garnering 43 percent of the total votes in the People’s Choice category. Uttar Pradesh secured the second position with 9 percent votes, while the remaining 15 states received comparatively fewer votes.
This year, the tableau presented by Gujarat’s State Information Department at the national parade on Kartavya Path beautifully portrayed the journey from the freedom revolution inspired by the ‘Vande Mataram’ and Swadeshi movement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for self-reliance through indigenous efforts.
Gujarat’s tradition of winning the Popular Choice Award began in 2023 at the 74th Republic Day parade with the tableau themed ‘Clean Green Energy Gujarat,’ which highlighted the state’s initiatives in renewable energy in response to the Prime Minister’s call. In 2024, the tableau showcasing the ‘Dhorado – World’s Best Tourism Village’ theme won the award again and also secured the second place in the jury’s choice category.
In 2025, the tableau titled ‘Anartpur to Ektangar – A Wonderful Confluence of Heritage and Development,’ inspired by Prime Minister Modi, depicted Gujarat’s rapid development while connecting it with its ancient heritage and won the Popular Choice Award once more.
Continuing this legacy, Gujarat’s 2026 tableau ‘Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram’ has added another proud chapter to the state’s achievements. The prestigious award will be formally presented to Gujarat at the Republic Day closing ceremony on 30 January at the National Rangshala Camp in New Delhi, in the presence of the Union Minister of State for Defence.
