Republic Day in India is commemorated as the day when the Constitution of India came into effect and is celebrated every year on January 26. The significance of Republic Day lies in the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.
But how many of us actually know why Republic Day came into existence and what we actually celebrate on the day?
The Indian Constitution superseded the Government of India Act 1935, serving as the new governing document for India and marking its transition from a dominion to an independent republic, distinct from the British Raj. The Indian Constituent Assembly formally adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949, and its implementation commenced on 26 January 1950.
For people who didn’t know about the earlier act - The Government of India Act 1935 was an Act passed by the British Parliament that originally received royal assent in August 1935. It was the longest Act that the British Parliament ever enacted until the Greater London Authority Act 1999 surpassed it.
January 26th was chosen as the date to enact the Indian Constitution for a significant reason. On this very day in 1930, the Indian National Congress declared the historic Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) resolution, marking a pivotal moment in India’s fight for independence. By selecting January 26th as Republic Day, India pays homage to its relentless struggle for freedom and its commitment to democratic principles. Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour throughout the country.
Everyone knows that India achieved independence from the British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the success of the Indian independence movement. This independence came through the Indian Independence Act of 1947, an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth (later Commonwealth of Nations).
India became a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. After independence, India did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935.
The quest for a lasting constitutional framework commenced on 29 August 1947, marked by the initiation of a resolution for the formation of a Drafting Committee. This committee, chaired by Dr BR Ambedkar, embarked on the monumental task of crafting a permanent constitution which materialized in the form of a draft constitution and presented to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.
Over an exhaustive period of 166 days, spanning two years, 11 months, and 17 days, the Constituent Assembly engaged in extensive public sessions, culminating in the adoption of the Constitution. On 24 January 1950, after meticulous deliberations and necessary amendments, the 308 members of the Assembly affixed their signatures to two handwritten copies of the document—one in Hindi and the other in English.
After 75 years of adapting the constitution, how does India celebrate Republic Day?
The focal point of the celebration is a grand parade hosted in New Delhi, featuring cultural, historical, and military exhibits. Preceding the parade, the Prime Minister pays homage to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an arched war memorial, observing a moment of silence. Festivities extend nationwide with smaller parades, cultural events, public celebrations, and private parties. Most businesses, schools, and government offices remain closed, allowing people to engage fully in the celebrations. The official conclusion occurs on January 29 with the Beating Retreat Ceremony in New Delhi, where musical performances by bands from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force take centre stage.
The Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi and is organised by the Ministry of Defence which starts from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raisina Hill on Kartavya Path past the India Gate. The parade showcases India's Defence, Cultural and Social Heritage. 9 to 12 different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations.
Republic Day holds immense significance as it signifies the foundational principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that form the bedrock of Indian democracy. To grasp the importance of Republic Day, it is essential to delve into India's struggle for independence. Transitioning from British colonial rule to the pursuit of self-governance, India's journey to freedom was both challenging and inspirational.
Republic Day underscores the paramount importance of justice, equality, and liberty for every Indian citizen. The Constitution is designed to ensure that each individual is accorded dignity and equal opportunities, irrespective of their background or social standing. It serves as a poignant reminder that the progress of the nation should be guided by the enduring principles of justice and equality.
Republic Day in India stands as a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to democracy and the foundational principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
