The Republic Day is the most important National event after the celebration of the Independence Day celebration on the 15th of August.
Republic Day is the day which is commemorated as the day when the constitution of independent India came into being replacing the Government of India act of 1935 as the document which would govern India going forward.
India became independent in the year 1947 and subsequently on 26th of January, 1950 the Indian Constitution came into being after being adopted on the 26 th of November 1949. It completed India’s transition towards becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
- History of Republic Day
After a 200 year of colonial rule under the British Government, India attained freedom on the 15th of August, 1947 with the help of millions of patriots and some prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru to name a few. The Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom partitioned India into two countries – India and Pakistan. India became free in 1947 with George vi as the Head of the state and the Earl of Mountbatten as the Governor General. The country though then lacked a permanent constitution. However with Dr B R Ambedkar as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, the country was poised to get a new Constitution. A draft of the constitution was submitted to the Assembly on the 4th of November, 1947 for reviews. The Assembly then met for 2 years, 11 months and 18 days in sessions which were open to public before being finally adopted. After numerous debates, deliberations and certain modifications, the 308 members signed a copy of two documents, one in Hindi and the other one in English on the 24th of January 1950. Two days later on the 26th of January, 1950 the constitution came to be adopted.
Republic Day in India
- Celebration of the Republic day
Republic Day celebrations are observed all over India with respect and solemnity. To mark the importance of this momentous occasion, every year a grand parade is held in all the capital cities of all the Indian states. The most prominent one is held in the capital of India, New Delhi. It starts from the Raisina Hills, Rashtrapati Bhavan, goes along Rajpath past the India Gate.. the Prime Minister of India lays wreath on the memorial of the unknown soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti . two minutes silence is followed in respect to all those who had laid down their lives sacrificing for the freedom of India.
Since 1950 on this joyous and prestigious day, India has played hosts to a number of Head of State or Government of a foreign country.
The President then unfurls the Tri-color, the Indian National flag and a 21 gun salute is given. Prestigious awards like the Asoke Chakra and the Kirti Chakra are awarded on this day. Children receiving the National Bravery Award are also marched past by the President.
Apart from the Navy and the Air force, different regiments of the Indian army march past by the President in their best regalia. An unique sight is the Border Security forces, on camel backs giving a salute to the President who is by default the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The NCC cadets on this joyous occasion participate in this celebration as does various school children from all over India. Numerous floats or tableaus exhibit the cultures of the various states along with the beat of music. Cultural programs comprising of dance and music is presented by hundreds of school children on this prestigious occasion.
This celebration generally ends with a daring act by the Motor Cycle squad and the Indian jets and helicopters carrying the national flag and the flags of the three services. The Beating Retreat journey ends the Republic Day celebration on the 29th of January.
Similarly in all the capitals of each state a parade is held along the main road of the city where the Governor and Chief Minister of the state address the parade and accept the salutes. The National Flag is unfurled on this occasion.
This day is celebrated with due respect in all the schools and colleges all over India, where the National Flag is hoisted and various cultural programs are conducted on this day. It is a day which is commemorated to underline the basic values of the Indian Constitution and to celebrate the same by being respectful.
This is a National Holiday and as such is remembered with pride and prudence all over India.