India, the living example of “Unity in Diversity”, celebrates its Republic Day on 26th January every year. The day when the India Gate premises and Rajpath witness the tableaus of the rich culture of Indian states, the talent of school kids, bravery awards to little bravehearts, and honor to the soldiers and officers who sacrifice their lives for the nation in the line of duty. Well, on this day, 26 January 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, making the country the world’s largest Republic with democratic set up. Republic Day and the tradition of unfurling tricolor on this day offer a moment of pride for each Indian. India got freedom from colonial British rule on 15th August 1947. So, do you ever wonder, what is the significance of celebrating “26 January” as “Republic Day”? Why not any other day? Here are 10 interesting facts about 26 January or “Republic Day” that “We the People of India” must know about:
1- Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January to mark the importance of "Purna Swaraj Diwas" (Declaration of Indian Independence Day) which was celebrated in 1930 by the Indian National Congress to oppose the colonial British rule in India.
2- The Constitution of India officially came into existence on 26th January 1950. The process of making it took two years, 11 months, and 17 days for 308 member Constituent Assembly to draft the historic and the most important document for the country that is the world's largest democracy right now.
3. Indian Constitution has two handwritten copies, one in Hindi and the other in English. Both are preserved in helium-filled cases in the Parliament of India.
4- To draft the Constitution to make India a "Democracy", no chance was spared to make the drafting process democratic. So, the members of the Constituent Assembly were elected by the 'Provincial Assembly' which was created after India's Independence in 1947. Each article and the topic was deliberated in detail and that's how it took almost three years to reach a final conclusion and making of the "World's Longest Written Constitution". It has 448 articles in 25 parts and 12 schedules, right now which at the time of implementation had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules.
5- On this day, with the Constitution coming into effect, Dr. Rajendra Prasad began his first tenure as the President of “Democratic India” and the Constituent Assembly became the first parliament through the transitional provisions of the Constitution.
6- The Constituent Assembly was headed by Dr Rajendra Prasad. Dr BR Ambedkar was made the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. Dr Ambedkar is also known as "Architect of the Constitution of India" as he played a great role in making it possible for India to have a constitution that represents each community and person of the country. Ambedkar became the first Minister of Law and Justice of Independent India.
7- Following the flag hoisting by the President of India, cultural performances, honoring ceremony, and a remarkable showcase of Indian military power, during beating retreat ceremony, a song is played. Which one is that? Ever wondered? It's "Abide With Me" which is a Christian hymn by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte. This song is also believed to be one of the favorite songs of the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
8- The first four Republic day parades, between 1950 to 1954, were held at different places in Delhi - Red Fort, Ramlila Grounds, Irwin Stadium and Kingsway.. Indonesian President Sukarno was the first Chief guest on the very first Republic Day parade of India.
9. India had its first Republic Day parade at Rajpath in 1955 and the first chief guest of the Rajpath parade was Malik Gulam Mohammed, who was the first Governor-General of Pakistan.
10. There will be no chief guest at Republic Day parade on Janpath this year. British PM Boris Johnson had agreed to attend the parade as the chief guest but he had to cancel his visit owing to escalating Covid-19 crisis in the United Kingdom.
