Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 to honor the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, symbolizing India’s transformation into a sovereign republic. The date honors the 1930 Purna Swaraj Resolution, which called for complete independence from British rule, signifying the country’s commitment to democracy.
Republic of India
Although India became independent on August 15, 1947, it declared itself a sovereign, democratic, and republican state by adopting the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
On that day, a 21-gun salute and Dr. Rajendra Prasad hoisted the Indian national flag, announcing the historic birth of the Republic of India. Then 26 January was declared a national holiday and was observed as the Republic Day of India.
The Constitution gave the citizens of India the right to choose their government and paved the way for democracy. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India in the Durbar Hall of the Government House and after taking the oath, he walked five miles to reach the Irwin Stadium and hoisted the national flag there.
National Flag
The national flag is a horizontal tricolour, with saffron at the top, white in the middle and green at the bottom in equal proportions. The ratio of the width to the length of the flag is two to three. In the middle of the white stripe is a navy-blue circle with 24 equally spaced spokes representing the Ashoka Chakra.
The design of the national flag was approved by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22 July 1947.
The Significance of Celebrating Republic Day on January 26
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after a disastrous partition with Pakistan. Since Pakistan was made a separate country for Muslims, most of them migrated to Pakistan. However, a significant number of Muslims chose to stay in India, creating a diverse and multicultural society in the country. Now, the country is home to all kinds of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, and more. Therefore, a governing document is needed to establish the country as a sovereign country.
The reason for celebrating Republic Day on January 26 is that the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. This day marks India becoming an independent republic.
Since India is home to all kinds of religions, it is important for a governing document to treat all citizens equally and ensure that their rights are protected regardless of their religious beliefs. This resulted in the formulation of the Constitution of India, which guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms to all those living in India, regardless of their religion.
Republic Day Summary
Republic Day celebrates India’s democratic values and reminds citizens of their equal rights and responsibilities in shaping the nation. It symbolizes unity in the diversity of India’s many races, cultures, and religions, binding the nation with pride and patriotism. The day also emphasizes the importance of the Constitution, a document that defines the rights and duties of every citizen and ensures justice, freedom, and equality for all.
