The Republic Day falls on January 26 every year, and the day is celebrated to mark India’s adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, after gaining independence from British rule in 1947.
History of republic day
India got freedom from British Raj on 15th August, 1947, after years of struggle. This independence came through the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
India achieved independence on 15th August, 1947 as a monarchy with George VI as the king of United Kingdom became the governor-general. The country did not have a permanent constitution at that time, so the government worked on the modified colonial Government of India Act, 1935.
On 29th August, 1947, an offer letter got circulated, according to which a committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution. The committee was known as the Drafting Committee and Dr. Babasaheb got selected as its chairman.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit minority. While India was already celebrating freedom from British rule, on 26th January, it made itself proud for making a framework of rules and regulations for the betterment of people.
Thus, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was created by the committee and submitted to the constituent assembly on 4th November, 1947. The assembly met in sessions which were open to the public for discussion for 166 days and thus, it took over the period of two years and 11 months and 18 days before adopting the constitution.
After many issues and some modifications in the assembly, there were 308 members who signed two handwritten copies of the document — one in Hindi and the second one in English.
On 26th January, Dr Rajendra Prasad was selected to be the first President of India. Since then, this day is considered to be of utmost importance for all the Indians.
How The Republic Day Is Celebrated?
On the Indian Republic Day, great parades of the Indian Armed Forces, flag hoisting ceremonies take place at great scale in Rajpath situated in New Delhi by the Government of India. The parade is organised by the Ministry of Defence and conducted by the Indian President. It showcases the country’s rich culture and heritage by forming beautiful structures and also its military prowess during the parade.
One of the main events of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The parade ends with the daring motorcycle rider’s stunts and flypast inducted by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath.
Parade on 26th January
Delhi is one of the largest and most important centres for parades. Every year, parade takes place on 26th January from Raisina Hill to Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, to celebrate this occassion.
As the parade begins, Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. After jyot, a two minute silence in the memory of martyred soldiers is observed. It is a reminder of people who sacrificed their lives for the safety of India.
After this, the President arrives along with the chief guest of the occasion. Then, the President unfurls the national flag and the national anthem is played with a 21 gun salute.
Following this, awards like Ashok chakra and Kirti chakra are given by the President of India to the individuals. Then, the Prime Minister comes forward to award the medals to the people from the armed forces. Civilians also get medals for their bravery and distinguished achievements in different situations.
Importance of this day
Republic Day is an extremely important day for our country for various reasons. Some of the main reasons that would help highlight the significance of this day are elaborated as under:
Emergence of the Largest Democratic Nation: On this day, India emerged as the largest democratic Nation, along with the longest written constitution. The citizens of India officially gained the power to live independently and help govern their own country. When the beginning is good, the journey progresses smoothly and without any turbulence.
Indian Constitution came into existence: Republic Day is when the constitution and governmental existence came into being. Indian government thus became a distinct entity and came out of the shadow of the British government.
First President: Honorable Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the historic oath to be the very first president of independent India on this very day. This ceremony was history personified.
Self-guided: Until the Republic day, India was still running under the laws set by the British government. So technically, an independent India was not self-guided until the actual Republic Day.
Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. Dr B.R. Ambedkar was the principle architect behind drafting the framework of Indian Constitution. After the adoption of the Constitution, the Union of India became the contemporary Republic of India replacing the Government of India Act, 1935. According to the Constitution of India, “It declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens of justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavours to promote fraternity among them.” As the people adopt the Constitution of India, it can never be upturned by parliamentary supremacy.
What changes will be seen in Republic Day 2021?
This day is celebrated by hoisting the national flag, the parade of Defence and paramilitary forces, some traditional performances, and by the exhibition of various tableaux.
However, this year’s celebration of Republic Day will look a little different due to the coronavirus. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited UK PM Boris Johnson for the 72nd Republic Day to be the chief guest but he canceled his trip to India on January 5 due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus strain.
After this, the Ministry of External Affairs informed that there will be no foreign Head of State or Head of Government as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day event due to the global COVID-19 situation. This is going to be the fourth time in history when India will celebrate its Republic Day without any foreign leader as chief guest. The last time it had happened was in 1966, and before that in 1953 and 1952.
Conclusion
Every Indian citizen should realize the inherent importance of Republic day. We as citizens of a free country should feel proud to be an Indian and pay respect to all those who helped our country get stronger, and better! Special remembrance should be paid to all the freedom fighters and soldiers, who made and are making unbeatable sacrifices for all of us to breathe ‘free’. Republic Day celebrations should not be imposed on people. Patriotism apart, paying respect to the country is a sign of a responsible citizen.
