Every year, Republic Day is celebrated with copious pomp and grandeur on 26th January. The day is celebrated across the country with much fondness and devotion by the people of the country, thereby displaying their love and enthusiasm for the country’s achievements, progress and aspirations. The highlight of the day is the annual parade at Rajpath, overseen by the President of India who inaugurates the procession by hoisting the Tricolour (India’s national flag) followed by the National Anthem. Besides the celebrations which display India’s diversity, commonality and strength, it is equally important to know the history and significance of the event which has shaped the Indian state’s identity and ambitions since 1950.
1. India is celebrating its 73rd republic day this year. It was on this day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into force, declaring India a sovereign state and an independent Republic. Pic: India.com
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2. India shed its colonial status after the British officially left on 15th August 1947. But the country was still being governed by the Government of India Act, passed by British Indian in 1935. The interim government decided to set up a Constituent Assembly to draft independent India’s constitution which would reflect the country’s aspirations of becoming a socially and economically progressive society. The Constituent Assembly had its first meeting on 9 December 1946 and the Constitution was formally adopted on 26 November 1949 (which is now celebrated as Constitution Day). Pic: LiveLaw.in
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3. Republic Day also represents the spirit and enthusiasm of the Indian freedom fighters. On 19th December 1929, the Indian National Congress passed a historic resolution demanding “Purna Swaraj” or total self-governance at its Lahore session. On 31st December 1929, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the erstwhile Tricolour on the bank of river Ravi to declare 26th January henceforth as Independence Day, which went on to be observed as such till 1947. | Pic: Lahore Congress 1929.
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4. The Republic Day parade is marked by a spectacular march past by the country’s military belonging to the Army, Navy and the Air Force as well as an extravagant display of their respective latest and most lethal weapons, ammunition and associated technology. Pic: OneIndia.com
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5. It also displays the country’s cultural mosaic, its social palette comprising different languages, festivities, customs, heritage and lifestyle via the impressive, engaging and awe-inspiring tableaus belonging to different states of the Republic. Another graceful, poignant and heart-rendering moment which marks the event is the ceremony in which the President recognizes and awards soldiers (and their families) for their valour and sacrifice for the safety and security of the nation via Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra. Pic: PTI
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6. Republic Day is attended each year by a visiting head of state as the chief guest. President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first to attend the Republic Day as the Chief guest in 1950. Pic: President Sukarno (centre)
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7. Between 1950 and 1954, Republic Day parade was held at the National Stadium (the Irwin Stadium), at Rajpath, at Red Fort as well as Ramlila Maidan. It has been permanently shifted to Rajpath (earlier known as Kingsway) since 1955. The French President has been the Chief guest the most number of times (5) Pic: Dr Rajendra Prasad salutes the cavalry that would escort him to Irwin Amphitheatre. (Source: OneIndia.com)
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8. Due to COVID outbreak, this year will be the 12th time that the event will not feature a Chief Guest. India invited British PM Boris Johnson last year and there were talks about the leaders of the five Central Asian countries attending the event this year, but plans could not materialise in either case. Photo: @narendramodi
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