Republic Day

Republic Day

Republic Day  honours the date on which the Constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government Of India  Act (1935) as the governing document of India.

India got independence from British rule on 15 August 1947.

India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. The country yet did not had its own permanent constitution, instead its laws were based on modified colonial Government of India Act 1935.

How Permanent Constitution was achieved.

  The great personality who framed the Indian constitution was Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar leading the group of seven member drafting committee. The constitution was published in January 1948 and all Indians were given a time period of 8 months to review it.

                                             After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document on 24 January 1950. Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the country. On that day Dr. Rajendra Prasad's signed as President of the Indian Union. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution. This date is celebrated in India as the Republic Day.

Once again "The constitution was adopted by Indian assembly on 26 January 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, with democratic government system". "Democratic government is the government of the people, by the people and for the people", said by famous personality Abraham Lincoln.

26 January was chosen as the republic day because on this day in 1929 when the deceleration of Indian constitution was proclaimed by Indian National Congress to oppose the rule of  British Government.

India now has its own set of rules and regulations written in a thick book called itself "The constitution of India" or "Bhatiya Samvidaan". The Indian constitution is the largest constitution in India having 395 articles, 22 parts and 12 schedules. 

The main Republic day celebrations were held in the national capital NEW DELHI at RAJPATH. 

Various parades are organised at Rajpath representing a tribute to the Indian diversity and cultural heritage.

India is the only country who accepts all religions, having many cultural heritages.

The beating retreat ceremony is held officially after the end of all festivities of the day. It is formed by the band of three wings of military. The president of India is honoured as the chief guest of     all republic day festivities.             

On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the civilians of India every year. These are the second highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in decreasing order of importance.