GUWAHATI: As India is set to celebrate its 71st Republic Day tomorrow, here’s a look at why and how the country began celebrating January 26 as Republic Day:
India celebrates its Republic Day every year on January 26 to mark the day when its Constitution came into force. The Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950.
The Indian constituent assembly adopted the constitution - the document which lays down the political framework, procedures and fundamental rights and duties of citizens - on November 26, 1949. However, it came into effect on January 26, 1950. With this, India became a Republic. This year, India will celebrate its 71st Republic Day.
After attainment of Independence, a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution for the new nation and BR Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of the committee.
The Drafting Committee worked for 141 days to prepare the Constitution and submitted its first draft to the Assembly on November 4, 1947. After this, the Assembly met and discussed it in sessions for 166 days which were spread over a period of two years before finally adopting the constitution. These sessions were also open to the public.