Let us remind you that India's Republic Day is commemorated by a 21-gun salute and the President of India unfurling the Indian National Flag. We know that India gained independence from British domination on August 15, 1947 and that on January 26, 1950, it established the Constitution, declaring itself a sovereign, democratic, and republic state. Every year, the 26th of January is commemorated with great pride and joy across the country.
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Why We Celebrate Republic Day?
Pledge for Purna Swaraj
India's laws were still based on the colonial Government of India Act 1935 when it gained independence on August 15, 1947. On August 19, 1947, a motion was introduced calling for the formation of a Drafting Committee to develop a constitution. Dr. BR Ambedkar was chosen to serve as the organization's chairman. India's Constitution took effect on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935). On January 26, India became a republic by adopting its own Constitution. Dr. Rajendra Prasad began his first tenure as President of India on that day, and the Constituent Assembly was renamed the Parliament of India.
The Indian National Congress (INC) declared "Purna Swaraj," or complete self-rule, on January 26, 1930, long before India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. India was still governed under the Government of India Act 1935 when it became independent on August 15, 1947. It was only after the passage of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, that it became a republic and fully self-governing.
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How Republic Day is celebrated?
Republic Day Celebration
The Republic Day celebrations began on January 24. This year, though, it began a day early with 'Parakram Diwas,' Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birthday. On the eve of Republic Day, the president delivers a speech to the country. Before the main Republic Day celebrations begin with the year's largest and most important parades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi places a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is followed by two minutes of silence to honor India's dead troops. When the president, prime minister, and chief guest arrive on the dais, the former unfurls the National Flag while the latter sings the National Anthem.
A 21-gun salute is then fired by the Indian Army Regiment of Artillery. The president then bestows significant awards, such as the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra, to members of the armed forces for their exceptional bravery in the field, as well as civilians who have distinguished themselves through various acts of valor in various situations, whether military, civilian, or disaster-related.
The parade then begins at the Rashtrapati Bhavan gates and proceeds past Rajpath, India Gate, and Red Fort to the Red Fort. This year, however, it will only go up to the National Stadium owing to Covid-19. As several regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in their uniforms march through the parade, they demonstrate India's defense capability, cultural, and social legacy.
Forces salute President Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The procession also includes contingents from various paramilitary and police forces. The parade also features a showcase of daredevil motorcycle riding talents by the Armed Forces and civic security forces' motorcycle units. The audience is further enthralled by a flyover by Indian Air Force jets and helicopters.
The Republic Day celebration typically includes colorful tableaus representing many states' traditions. Historical events, heritage, culture, development programs, and wildlife from many states are depicted in the tableaus. On the 29th of January, the Republic Day celebrations draw to a close with Beating Retreat. The bands of the three wings perform the beating retreat.
The constitution is not a mere lawyer's document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of the age - BR Ambedkar
