I)
Republic Day
| Republic Day | |
|---|---|
The original text of the Preamble to the Constitution of India. The Constitution of Indiacame into force on 26 January 1950.
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| Observed by |  India |
| Type | National holiday |
| Celebrations | Parades, distribution of sweets in schools and cultural dances |
| Date | 26 January |
| Next time | 26 January 2016 |
| Frequency | Annual |
Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.[1]
The
Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26
November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic
government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming
an independent republic.
26 January was chosen as the Republic day because it was on this day in
1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was
proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion
status offered by the British Regime.
It is one of three national holidays in India, the other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
History[edit]
President Rajendra Prasad (in the horse-drawn carriage) readies to take part in the first Republic Day parade onRajpath, New Delhi, in 1950.
India achieved independence from British rule on 15 August 1947 following theIndian independence movement noted for largely peaceful nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi. The independence came through the Indian Independence Act 1947 (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an Act of theParliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth (later Commonwealth of Nations): India and Pakistan.[2] 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 colonialGovernment 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 celebrates
its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates of coming
into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the
committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947.[3] The
Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a
period of 2 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 nation.
Celebrations[edit]
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.
In 2014, on the occasion of the 65th Republic Day, the Protocol Department of the Government of Maharashtra held its first parade on the lines of the Delhi Republic Day parade along the entire stretch of Marine Drive in Mumbai.
Delhi Republic Day parade[edit]
Main article: Delhi Republic Day parade
Delhi Republic Day parade is held in the capital, New Delhi. Commencing from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), Raisina Hill on Rajpath past the India Gate,
this event is the main attraction of India's Republic Day Celebrations
lasting 3 days. The parade showcases India's Defence Capability,
Cultural and Social Heritage.
Beating Retreat[edit]
Main article: Beating Retreat
The Beating Retreat ceremony
is held after officially denoting the end of Republic Day festivities.
It is conducted on the evening of 29 January, the third day after the
Republic Day. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the
military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The venue is Raisina Hill and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk, flanked by the North and South block of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace) towards the end of Rajpath.
The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who
arrives escorted by the (PBG), a cavalry unit. When the President
arrives, the PBG commander asks the unit to give the National Salute,
which is followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana,
by the Army. The Army develops the ceremony of display by the massed
bands in which Military Bands, Pipe and Drum Bands, Buglers and
Trumpeters from various Army Regiments besides bands from the Navy and
Air Force take part which play popular tunes like Abide With Me, Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn, andSaare Jahan Se Achcha at the end.[4][5][6]
Gallery[edit]
Rashtrapati Bhavan lit up.
Surya Kiran Aerobatics Teamdisplaying tricolor.
Border Security Force personnel on Republic Day.
Republic Day parade chief guest[edit]
Countries invited as chief guests for the Republic Day parade. Erstwhile Yugoslavia (twice invited) has not been depicted in the map.
Since
1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another
country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in
New Delhi. During 1950-1954, Republic Day celebrations were organised at
different venues (like Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila
Grounds).[7] It was only starting 1955 when the parade in its present form was organised at Rajpath.[7] The guest country is chosen after a deliberation of strategic, economic and political interests. During 1950s-1970s, a number ofNAM and Eastern Bloc countries were hosted by India. In the post-Cold War era,
India has also invited several Western leaders on a state visit during
the Republic Day. It is notable that before India fought bloody wars
with China and Pakistan, leaders from these countries were invited as
state guests for the Republic Day celebrations. Interestingly, Pakistan
Food and Agriculture Minister was the second state guest from that
country for Republic Day in 1965, a few days after which the two
countries went to a war. Countries which have been invited multiple
times include India's neighbours (Bhutan, and Sri Lanka), defence allies (Russia/USSR, Franceand Britain), trade partners (Brazil) and NAM allies (Nigeria and erstwhile Yugoslavia). Bhutan and France have the distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum (four) number of times followed by three visits each from Mauritiusand USSR/Russia.
II)Republic Day of India – A Celebration of Sovereignty
26th January
1950 is one of the most important days in Indian history as it was on
this day the Constitution of India came into force and India became a
truly sovereign state. In this day India became a totally republican
unit. The country finally realized the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the
numerous freedom fighters who, fought for and sacrificed their lives for
the Independence of their country.
During
the transition period from 1947 to 1950, King George VI was the head of
country. C. Rajagopalachari served as the Governor-General of India
during this period. Following January 26, 1950, Rajendra Prasad was
elected as the President of India. To mark the importance of this
occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New
Delhi from the Raisina Hill near the Rasthrapati Bhawan along the
Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The different
regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force march past in all
their finery and official decorations.
26th
January, the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over
the country and especially in the capital, New Delhi where the
celebrations start with the Presidential to the nation. The beginning of
the occasion is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the
martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the
succeeding wars for the defense of sovereignty of their country. Then,
the President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people
from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and
also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different
acts of valour in different situations.
To
mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held
in the capital, from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The different
regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all
their finery and official decorations even the horses of the cavalry are
attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. The crème of N.C.C
cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to
participate in this event, as do the school children from various
schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and
no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from
their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms.
The
parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the
different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict scenes of
activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that
particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the
diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a
festive air to the occasion. The parade and the ensuing pageantry is
telecast by the National Television and is watched by millions of
viewers in every corner of the country.
The
patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country
together even in her essential diversity. Every part of the country is
represented in occasion, which makes the Republic Day the most popular
of all the national holidays of India
Celebrations, though on a much smaller scale, are held in state capitals where the Governor of the State unfurls the national flag. Once we achieved our freedom, this day now reflects the journey of India from a colonized country to an independent republic. All Government buildings are dramatically illuminated lending the business like city the atmosphere of a fairyland. This Day is celebrated with zeal and pride all over the country.
III)
--an
amazing legacy that lost its trajectory from years of feudalism, then a
foreign Muslim invasion followed by colonial exploitation. It then
zigged left when it could have zigged right after 1947. That was a
serious mistake, in my opinion, which has since been partially reversed.
However, it left in its wake a mindless bureaucracy and massive
bribery, corruption and tax cheating at all levels. It also gave the
west a 50 year head start. Now playing catch-up using democracy as a
platform, the worst form of government according to Winston Churchill,
except for all the other forms of government out there. When you are
here you can actually watch the sausage being made, another wry
observation of democracy in action by the witty Churchill.
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V) WE
wish you all a very Happy Republic Day! Let us salute and remember
Freedom Fighters who fought for and sacrificed their lives for the
independence of our country. Long live the Republic.
Let us all breathe
Patriotism,Love for our Motherland,help safety & security of our
country, protect,preserve & promote ancient glory & splendour
our country was,be a partner in Progress & economic development
& enable India to emerge as a Powerful, united Nation,with sanctity
for cultural,moral & spiritual values & as a World Power.
LET OUR NATIONAL FLAG FLY HIGH & ALWAYS AT TOPMAST.
"Sare Jahan Se Accha, Hindustan Hamara".
JAI HIND,
GREETINGS, GOODLUCK & GODSPEED,
R.B.KISHORE,
VP,AIRIEF 
