Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Gandhinagar/New Delhi, Jan 29: Gujarat’s tableau has once again captured the nation’s imagination, winning the Popular Choice Award at the 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, New Delhi, marking its fourth consecutive victory in the category.
Showcased under the theme “Swatantrata Ka Mantra: Vande Mataram”, the tableau stood out for its powerful visual storytelling and patriotic appeal, drawing widespread public admiration during the national celebrations.
The award was decided through an online public vote conducted by the Union Ministry of Defence on the MyGov portal between January 26 and 27. Gujarat dominated the poll from the very beginning, securing 43 per cent of the total votes. Uttar Pradesh followed in second place with nine per cent, while the remaining votes were split among 15 other participating states.
Chief minister Bhupendra Patel credited the win to the people’s deep emotional connection with the freedom movement and Gujarat’s role in it. In a social media message, he said the overwhelming public support reflected citizens’ respect for the ideals of patriotism and the sacrifices of freedom fighters from the state.
Developed by the state Information Department, the tableau depicted India’s journey from the freedom struggle to the present-day vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Drawing inspiration from Vande Mataram and the Swadeshi movement, it linked historical milestones with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for self-reliance, using imagery rooted in Gujarat’s heritage and development story.
Gujarat’s winning streak in the Popular Choice category began in 2023 with the tableau “Clean, Green, Energy-rich Gujarat”, highlighting renewable energy initiatives. In 2024, the state topped the public vote again with “Dhordo, World’s Best Tourism Village – UNWTO”, which also earned second place in the Jury’s Choice category. The momentum continued in 2025 with “From Anartpur to Ekta Nagar – a remarkable confluence of heritage and development”.
With the 2026 tableau emerging as the public favourite once more, Gujarat has firmly established its dominance in the Popular Choice Award category.
The award will be formally presented at the Republic Day concluding ceremony on January 30 at the National Rangshala Camp in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.