Posts tagged with "Republic Day"

Indian Republic Day

Posted by Nitin Kumar No Comments
Jan 27 2011

After India got its independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the Government of India Act 1935 was used as the governing document of India. The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act 1935 thus making India a Republic State.

The 26th of January is one of the national holiday in India and it marks the memory of the declaration of Independence on 26th January 1930 called Purna Swaraj (Complete Self-Rule) from the British rule.

Each year, the morning of 26th marks the Republic Day Parade that takes place from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate in the national capital New Delhi where the President views the parade, the state capitals in India also have their state celebrations.

Republic Day Parade at Rajpath

But before the commencement of  the Republic Day Parade, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate.  Thereafter he reaches the main platform at Rajpath to join other dignitaries. The President also join the the Prime Minister and other dignitaries along with the Chief Guest of the Occasion, usually the head of a foreign state. This year’s Chief Guest was the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

March Past of Indian Armed Forces

The National anthem is played as the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. The National Anthem is  followed by a 21-gun round salute. The President awards military & civil national awards for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice.

Part of Republic Day Parade on Indian Channel

The end of award ceremony begins the march past from the armed forces. The military march past is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. Each year, the new display from different states make this parade more interesting as the people are curious to know the different culture of diverse multi-cultured Nation. Many people who cannot watch this fabulous parade live usually watch it on their Television sets.

Cultural Display from a State

The whole event brings such a diverse Nation together in its patriotic colors. People realize that how big and diverse the Nation might be, it is a united Republic of India, to which they belong.

Republic Day

Posted by kunthra No Comments
Jan 25 2010

The twenty sixth of January is one of the three main national holidays in India. This holiday is called “Republic Day” and commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Even though India had gained independence from Britain in 1947, the British laws that were established during the colonial years were still in place. Bhimrao Ramiji Ambedkar (डॊ.भीमराव रामजी आंबेडकर), an activist and writer, was the chief architect of the Indian constitution. He and others submitted a draft to the Assembly. After two years and some adjustments to the draft, India finally had its own constitution signed on January 26, 1950.

There are actually two copies of the Constitution. One is in Hindi and the other is in English. The Constitution of India (भारतीय संविधान) lays out the structure and powers of the government and defines the rights of all citizens. The Constitution has a preamble and 22 chapters divided into 448 articles. Some of the few chapters include the restrictions and powers of the states of India, citizenship, the fundamental rights of citizens, trade and commerce, contracts and suits, elections, amendments to the Constitution and emergency provisions.

In celebration of Republic Day, a grand parade is held in New Delhi, the capital of India. Soldiers from the Indian Army march in union in a grand display. The marching soldiers will often give a salute to the current president (राष्ट्रपति) of India. This year the president is प्रतिभा पाटिल, and she is the first woman president of India. The celebration also includes a professional dancing troupe and traditional Indian music. Finally, the celebrations end with a colorful air show by the Indian Air Force. Every year a foreign head of state is invited as a guest of honor.

Some of the famous guests of honor were President Jacques Chirac and Nicholas Sarkozy of France, President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This year President Lee Myung Bak of South Korea will be the guest of honor. Of course these guests of honor are invited not just to watch the spectacles, but as ways for India to carry out diplomatic talks. Republic Day is a day of pride for all Indians. Despite all the economic, social and political battles India has faced, the Constitution is proof of India’s commitment to democracy. This is surely something to rejoice about!

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