What is so special about India's Republic Day?

It was a glorious half winter morning with the sun peeking out of the cloudy days of the past. She was all dressed up for the occasion. There were balloons, sweets, songs and a diverse Parade. She couldn’t be more ready to celebrate. She has aged gracefully but on her special day she bore the glow of an infant, fire of an adolescent, and maturity of later ages. Her name is quite aptly the Republic of India- A name bestowed upon the largest democracy in the world 67 years ago.

26th January is celebrated each year as the Republic day at India commemorating the establishment of the Sovereign, Democratic, Republic of India on 26th January, 1950. After achieving Independence from the British rule on 15th August, 1947, India was still struggling to have its own constitution, way of governance and well- just plain law and order that was not guided by any King(Or Queen). So, the Constituent assembly decided to have its own Constitution, which was finalized on 26th November, 1949. This Constitution consisted of 395 Articles and 8 Schedules and encompasses everything from the Composition of states, individual rights, humanitarian rights, fundamental rights, elections, powers of government, citizens, people, environment, duties and basically everything that the human mind can fathom for running a Country. It isn’t the LONGEST CONSTITUTION of the World for nothing!

Lets get back to the date – 26th January, 1950. The constitution was finalized in 1949- November 26th. So why did they take two additional months to launch it?

In the 1929 Lahore session of the Indian National Congress, the tri-color flag was unfurled by the nationalists present there. They took a pledge to celebrate Purna Swaraj (complete Independence) Day every year on 26th January, while continuing to fight for the establishment of a Sovereign Democratic Republic of India. Independence was declared on 15th August, 1947, they decided to etch the 26th January, 1950 in history as the day India became a Sovereign Republic.

On this special day each year we commemorate how India which is graciously diverse, is ever welcoming, secure and abundant with love. Each year on the Republic day, the parade at the Red Fort marks India’s catchphrase of “Unity in Diversity”. There are numerous floats that signify the importance and highlights the attributes of each state in India and also brings prominence to the citizen’s perception of the State. Our daredevils, the Army, Navy, Air force through their splendid display of strength do so with an aim to reinforce the trust of the common man in the Indian Security.

The commemoration of Republic Day is not just a sign of strength and magnificent splendor, it is a display of togetherness, hope and a conscious effort to ensure that India soars on the wings of success with each passing year despite all the hurdles she may have to face.​