History and Significance:
The Constitution, one of the longest and most detailed in the world established India as a democratic republic and Union of States. The constitution of India was adopted on 26th November, 1949 with Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as the chairman of the Drafting Committee. It came into full effect only on 26th January in 1950. To commemorate this event, India celebrates the Republic Day every year as a National holiday with great gratification, zeal and enthusiasm. The reason for implementing the constitution on January 26, was that it was this very day in 1930 when the Indian National Congress revealed Purna Swaraj, the declaration of India’s Independence from the colonial rule. Though India became Independent on August 15, 1947, it was not complete independence as India was declared a constitutional Monarchy under King George VI with Lord Mountbatten as the Governor General. The Country officially came to be known as Republic of India – a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” that secures all its citizens justice, liberty, equality and fraternity” according to its preamble.
Significance of Republic Day of India:
January 26 plays a significant role in the lives of every Indian citizen. We should always remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters in achieving our freedom from the shackles of the British Empire. It is because of them India has emerged as vibrant democracy. Despite the colonial’s extensive use of mis-information, spies and propaganda campaigns, the founding fathers of our nation, the late Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad were able to fight against the British. The Prime Minister of India honours the martyrs by placing a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. It is followed by a 21 – gun salute, National flag hoisting and National Anthem. Awards are presented to the brave soldiers. Children and general citizens who have displayed courage in times of adversity are honored with awards too.
Our Constitution gives us various rights and responsibilities too. We live in a democratic country where people enjoy fundamental rights. In society, we have different class, religions or many other things that separate us but on the broader picture, we are all Indians. India is a land, which is a great example of “Unity in Diversity”. The beauty of our country is – we have different languages and we also have conflicts and differences. but on National festivals we all stand as a united force.
The constitution gave the citizens the power to choose their own government. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India at the Durbar Hall, in government House and this was followed by the Presidential drive along a five-mile route to the Irwin Stadium, where he unfurled the National Flag.
On 26th January, a spectacular parade is conducted by the President and arranged by the Ministry of Defence which includes the biggest fly past of Indian airforce air-crafts which fly over the Rajpath in New Delhi, the capital of India. It usually is a beautiful display of different patterns in the sky. Military parades with the contingents marching in uniforms i.e. India army, Naval and Air force, followed by police and NCC (National Cadet Corps).
The cultural Parade is focused on Our diverse cultural traditions and less on military equipment.
The Republic day celebration comes to an end on 29th January with one of the Best Beating Retreat Ceremony – ever witnessed. The bands march back playing a popular martial tune “Saare Jahan se Accha”. At exactly 6pm, the National flag is lowered and the National Anthem is sung, bringing the Republic Day celebration to an end.
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes in the World” – Mahatma Gandhi
The New India should do their part by making the nation a better place for everyone to live in by abstaining from corruption, violence, mal-practices etc. They should live a sustainable lifestyle. Everyone should become a torchbearer for a positive transformation to occur in the nation-building by every little means they can. The most important aspect of change is that it starts within. If we only focus on outward change, then we will always be discouraged, confused. “Be the change you wish to see in the World” – Mahatma Gandhi.
May all live in peace and harmony and prosper together. “HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY”!
Mary Pinheiro