By Sugato Roy
India’s Republic Day is unparalleled in the true sense of terms for more reasons than one and every Indian has all raison d’être to feel proud about it. The Constitution of India is the largest written constitution in the world. The illustrations were done by none other than Professor Nandalal Bose, one of the finest artists of all times and a pioneer of Indian art. The Constituent Assembly after countless meetings and deliberations approved the draft to finalize the Constitution after two years.
The particular date of 26th January was deliberately chosen as on this day in 1929 the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Congress. This was in contravention to the principle of Dominion Status offered by the British which was rejected. The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and was incorporated on 26th January 1950. India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic as envisaged in the Preamble. The Constituent Assembly became the first Parliament of India
Dr B R Ambedkar, the legal luminary was the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution which had many illustrious people and visionaries as other honourable members.
Our Independence came through the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and the laws were based on the modified Government Of India Act 1935. A proper constitution was the need of the hour. On 4th November 1947, the draft constitution was presented to the Constituent Assembly. After many amendments and debates, the Assembly after almost two years on 24th January 1950, signed the two handwritten documents which were in English and Hindi. It was an august moment for India on 26th January that year, when the Constitution was adopted and we became a Sovereign Democratic Republic. Dr Rajendra Prasad became the country’s first President.
India celebrates its Republic Day with pageantry and spectacle. The main function, the Republic Day Parade is held at Rajpath in New Delhi past the India Gate, in front of the President who takes the salute from our armed forces comprising of all the three services. Innumerable Heads of State have been the Chief Guests all these years. The entire Cabinet along with Members of Parliaments, senior office bearers of different political parties and distinguished visitors both from India and abroad are present to watch the splendour which include India’s military might, the tableaus of the different states and the country’s future citizens, the school children performing drills. The coveted and the highest Civilian awards are announced on this grandiose occasion. Almost similar programmes are held at all the state capitals and UTs where the Governors take the salute along with the respective Chief Ministers. Parades are also held at other Government establishments. The culmination of Republic Day celebrations takes place with Beating the Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk facing Rashtrapati Bhawan on Raisina Hills where the President is the Chief Guest. The best of the military bands drawn from the three services play the National Anthem and popular patriotic tunes.
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