26th of January is the Republic Day of India. With great pomp and fanfare, the country celebrates it. Other than it being a public holiday, but do the current generation know the importance of the day?
Story of the Republic Day
India achieved independence from British raj on 15 August 1947 following the Indian independence movement noted for largely peaceful non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi. The independence came through the Indian Independence Act 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 obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr. B R Ambedkar as chairman. While India’s Independence Day (August 15) celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution.
A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to the public, for 166 days, spread over a period of two years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, it came into effect throughout the whole nation.
Celebrations
The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.
So what are the special celebrations this year?
This year marks the 69th Republic Day of India and like every year, the highlight of the day is the parade that takes place at the India Gate.
This year, the Republic Day celebrations will have 10 heads from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei – as chief guests.
Besides Indian army, Airforce, and Navy, 700 children across the guest countries will perform at the event.
And for the first time, a newly-formed all-woman bikers contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF) will make its debut on Rajpath on Republic Day.
The 27-member BSF women ‘daredevils’ squad, named ‘Seema Bhavani’, will showcase their stunts and acrobatics on their 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycles.
The Republic Day parade is telecasted live on the public service broadcaster, Doordarshan.
But besides all the glory and magnificence of the events on the D-day, those active on social media will be wondering what to post as their status this Republic Day. So here are some inspirational quotes of some famous personalities.
“Give me blood, I will give you freedom” — Subhas Chandra Bose
“Patriotism is religion and religion is love for India” — Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
“A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideals of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race” — Sarojini Naidu
“The sanctity of law can be maintained only so as long as it is the expression of the will of the people” — Bhagat Singh
“The shots that hit me are the last nails in the coffin of British rule in India” — Lala Lajpat Rai
“Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.” — Bal Gangadhar Tilak
“Every Indian should now forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh or a Jat. He must remember that he is an Indian.” — Sardar Patel
“If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.” — Chandra Shekhar Azad
“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge… At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” — Jawaharlal Nehru
“We believe in peace and peaceful development, not only for ourselves but for people all over the world.” — Lal Bahadur Shastri
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