After a two-year break, Kerala will return to the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path on January 26 with a tableau themed ‘Atmanirbhar Kerala’, highlighting the state’s development achievements alongside its cultural identity.

The tableau carries the tagline “Atmanirbhar Kerala for Atmanirbhar Bharat” and seeks to present Kerala’s progress in digital empowerment, sustainable transport and traditional livelihoods through a single visual narrative.

The static tableau will showcase Kerala’s indigenous stature, its achievement of complete digital literacy, and the Kochi Water Metro project. Visuals depict the Water Metro connecting 10 islands in Kochi, with people waiting at island terminals.

At the front of the tableau stands an effigy of Saraswathi, a native of Pullampara in Thiruvananthapuram and the brand ambassador for digital literacy, shown using a laptop and smartphone to represent the state’s digital transformation.

The tableau features native agricultural produce such as jackfruit, mango and coconut, along with spices including ginger, turmeric, pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and clove to showcase traditional livelihoods. These elements are placed against a green backdrop.

Nodal officer and PRD Assistant Editor Ratheesh John said the attempt is to present the state’s achievements along with its cultural uniqueness.

A folk dance reflecting Kerala’s cultural heritage will be part of the presentation. The music is composed by Mohan Sithara, with lyrics written by PRD Deputy Director V.R. Santhosh. The song is sung by K.A. Sunil, while the dance performance is choreographed and presented by noted dancer Jayaprabha Menon.

The tableau has been designed by Roy Joseph, a native of Kannur and creative head at Delhi-based J.S. Chauhan Advertising Company, based on a concept developed by the Information and Public Relations Department.

Apart from the armed forces and various Union government departments and ministries, 17 states will present tableaux at this year’s Republic Day parade.

Kerala last presented a tableau in 2023, when the theme highlighted women’s empowerment.