The Establishment of the Republic Day and Festival in India

Republic Day is one of the great national festivals of India. It is celebrated on January 26th every single year to celebrate the day when the Constitution of India came into place. India was under the British’s rule for over hundreds of years, and Indians were forced to follow the harsh rules and laws, which were against the freedom of Indians. The immense sacrifices of our great freedom fighters and under the guidance of remarkable leaders helped the country of India to achieve its freedom on August 15, 1947.

About two and a half years later, India got its constitution adopted on November 26, 1949. It came into force on January 26, 1950. The day that the ‘Constitution of India’ came into force. This was a very important day in India’s History. This day made India a Sovereign Democratic Republic, and gave the rights of choosing government in the people of India’s righteous hands.

After the independence of India on August 15th, 1947 the country was governed by the ‘Government of India Act 1935’. The necessity of a constitution for the country led to the event of a Drafting Committee on August 28th, 1947 which was led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Drafting Committee submitted the draft to the Constituent Assembly which was adopted on November 26th, 1949, [This is celebrated as Constitution Day every year.] although it came into force on January 26th 1950. The first Republic Day of India was celebrated on January 26th. 1950. The first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad hoisted the national flag at Irwin Stadium (Now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium), Delhi followed by singing the National Anthem. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the salute of the armed forces, and this historic event was witnessed by more than 15,000 people.

A Constitution of a Country is the most important document for its people and its development overtime. The day it comes in force, is an important day in the history of a nation. January 26th is also a day which plays a very important role in the life of every citizen of India. This is because this was the day the right to choose the government for the country, was given in the hands of its citizens. The Constitution also defined the basic fundamental rights for its citizens, and gave the freedom of speech, equality, liberty and justice to the people. This meant the citizens of India can live with dignity, respect and can express themselves without any fear or force.

Republic Day is the day which reminds us about the struggle and sacrifices of great ‘freedom fighters’ who gave up their lives for the nation. This is the day which helps to showcase India’s rich ‘Unity and Diversity’ culture to the world. Republic Day also makes the people aware of their rights and their duties towards the nation, and it shows that our country is full of patriotism and unity.

Republic Day is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, energy and passion across the country. People from all the sections of the society, participate in the celebration with great patriotism and joy. All the schools and colleges organize various programs and activities to celebrate the occasion. Such as the Flag hoisting ceremony, singing of national anthem and various speech & debate competitions, folk dance, dramas and plays depicting the Indian freedom struggle are directed to spread the message about the great leaders and freedom fighters of our country.

The glory of the Republic Day celebration can be only witnessed at Rajpath, New Delhi where the President of India hoists the national flag which is followed by singing of the national anthem and salute by various regiments of the Indian Armed Forces. The day also commemorates the importance of the freedom struggle by paying them warm tributes and also awarding the soldiers of the Indian forces for their great act of valour and heroic courage in the battlefield.

Republic Day is not just a national festival but it is a celebration of democracy and independence. This is the day when we remember our freedom fighters and thank them by paying tribute to them for their immense sacrifice. It is because of them India has a democratic nation and it is a independent country. January 26th is the day of the national festival of India, which reminds us about the sacrifices of our great leaders and freedom fighters, who without thinking about themselves, sacrificed their lives for India. The democracy which India have received should be valued by everyone and should not be taken for granted. Everyone should contribute their bit for the development of the nation and spread peace, love and harmony throughout India and the world. “ Be the change you would like to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi