Prof (Dr) Jaipal Singh
26th January is one of the most significant date in the Indian History. On this day in 1950, India adopted its Constitution transforming the nation into a sovereign, democratic and republic state. The Constitution provided a comprehensive legal framework that ensured justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for all its citizens. This marked the beginning of an era where leaders are elected by the people, and decisions are made by the majority of elected representatives. In a parliamentary democracy, the Government which is of the people, by the people, and for the people, holds the responsibility of shaping the future of the nation.
The choice of 26th January as Republic Day is not random. It was on this day in 1930, at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, India declared PurnaSwaraj (complete independence) from British rule. This momentous declaration marked a bold commitment to achieve absolute freedom, signalling India’s intent to reject all forms of colonial dominance. From that day onward, the people of India began to observe 26th January as a day of pride, unity and commitment to the struggle for independence.After India finally gained independence on 15th August 1947, the leaders of the nation striving hard for freedom struggle decided to honour this historic day by marking it as the day on which the Indian Constitution would come into effect.
The drafting of the Constitution was a monumental task that began well before India gained independence. In 1946, the British government, under the Cabinet Mission Plan, formed the Constituent Assembly of India, which was entrusted with the responsibility of drafting the Constitution for an independent India. This assembly consisted of prominent leaders and thinkers from across the country, and its task was not easy.
The constitutent assembly met for the first time on December 9, 1946 with Dr.Sachchidananda Sinha presiding over the initial meeting as the interim Chairman. Dr.Rajendra Prasad, who later became India’s first President, took over as the permanent chairman of the Constituent Assembly. The drafting process was carefully undertaken by the Drafting Committee, which was headed by Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who is widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Constitution. Among other leaders who played a pivtol role in Constitutent Assembly were: H. C. Mookherje- Vice-President of the Constituent Assembly, B.N.Rau – Constitutional Advisor and S.N. Mukherjee – Chief Draftsman.
The committee worked tirelessly over the next several years, with debates, discussions and deliberations taking place on every aspect of the Constitution. They aimed to create a document that would reflect India’s unique cultural, social, and political needs while ensuring that the country could function as a modern democracy. The members of the committee borrowed ideas from the constitutions of over 60 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. Although India gained independence on August15, 1947, the Constituent Assembly continued its work to finalize the Constitution.
After nearly three years (2 years 11 months and 18 days) of debates and discussions, the Constitution was finalized on November26, 1949. The adoption of the Constitution was a historic moment, but it was decided that the Constitution would come into force on January 26, 1950, to honour the PurnaSwaraj Declaration made on the same date in 1930. This decision reflected a deep sense of acknowledgment of the contributions made by every individual freedom fighter in the nation’s historical struggle for freedom.
On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly held its final meeting, which symbolized the culmination of its remarkable work. During this meeting, the national symbols of independent India were formally adopted. The national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” composed by the great poet Rabindranath Tagore, was officially recognized as the anthem of the Republic of India. Additionally, “Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was declared the national song.
The Constituent Assembly also expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of the assembly, to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and to all those who contributed to the creation of the Constitution. The Constitution came into force two days later on January26, 1950 and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India. The event took place at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, marking the end of British colonial rule and the establishment of India as a republic.
Dr.Rajendra Prasad’s swearing in ceremony was a moment of profound significance, symbolizing the country’s transition to self-rule and the dawn of a new chapter in Indian history. With the adoption of the Indian Constitution, the British Governor-General was replaced by the President of India as the head of state. Additionally, the Constitution replaced the Government of India Act of 1935, the final piece of legislation under British rule, thereby marking the beginning of a new era of democratic governance.
The celebration of Republic Day has evolved over the years into a grand national festival. The main event takes place in New Delhi at Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), where the President of India, as the head of the state and Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, presides over the Republic Day parade. This year President Draupadi Murmu, the 15th president of India, shall preside over the function, unfurl the national flag and takes the salute during the parade and Indonesian President PrabowoSubianto will be the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebration. This visit commemorates 75 years of India-Indonesia diplomatic ties.
Republic Day parade is a magnificent presentation of India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and technological achievements. The parade highlights a variety of elements, including marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, and Police. Cultural displays from states and Union Territories, along with performances by school children from across the country, add vibrancy and completeness to the Republic Day parade. Brave soldiers and civilians are honored with prestigious awards, including the ParamVir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Kirti Chakra, for their exemplary contributions to the nation. Finally, the Beating Retreat ceremony occurs three days after Republic Day on 29th of January at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi marking the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations.
Republic Day is also celebrated with great enthusiasm across schools, colleges, and public spaces all over the country. The day begins with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Cultural programs, dances, speeches, and skits are performed by students, honouring the country’s freedom struggle and the Constitution. These celebrations emphasize the unity and diversity of the nation and highlight the importance of upholding the values of justice, equality, and liberty enshrined in the Constitution.
Every year, a different theme is selected for the Republic Day celebrations, and this year’s theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasataur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), reflects India’s journey from struggle to success. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the nation while emphasizing its remarkable progress in development and innovation.
In gist, 26th January, celebrated as Republic Day, honours India’s long and ardous/tough struggle for freedom and establishment of self-governance. It is a day to reflect on the nation’s journey and reaffirm its commitment to the principles of democracy and justice. The Constitution of India is a living document, and Republic Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence and the creation of a free and just society.
Now, before I stop writing, I would like to say that to honour the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, Let us pledge together, “We, the citizens of India, shall sincerely honour India’s struggle for freedom to sovereignty, shall contribute to nation-building and work together to strengthen the democratic foundations of our republic India for future generations. Definitely, this will be a sincere tribute to our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to secure the bright future and comforts we cherish now.
(The author is Principal, SG GDC Doongi – Rajouri)
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