January 26, 1950, marked a significant milestone in Indian history as the nation became a republic with the implementation of the Constitution of India.
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India secured its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, following the passage of the Indian Independence Act in the British Parliament.
This Act transformed India into a dominion within the British Commonwealth, with British monarch George VI as the head of state.
On August 28, 1947, a Drafting Committee was established with Dr. B R Ambedkar as its Chairman to draft a permanent constitution for the country.
A draft constitution was presented to the Constituent Assembly in November of the same year. The Assembly was formed in 1946 for this purpose.
Over the course of approximately three years, the Assembly convened in various sessions to discuss, debate, and make amendments to the draft, and to adopt a constitution that was acceptable to all.
The constitution was passed and adopted by the assembly on November 26, 1949. Learn more about the Constitution of India on the linked page.
The Constitution was implemented on January 26, 1950, a day celebrated as Republic Day across the country. This day marked the transformation of India, an ancient civilization rich in diverse cultures and kingdoms, into a modern republic. Check out the themes of Republic Day on the given link.
The date of January 26 was chosen for this occasion because it was on this day in 1930 when the Indian National Congress demanded Complete Independence or Purna Swaraj, as opposed to the Dominion Status.
Each year, the grand Republic Day Parade is held at the national capital, New Delhi, on Rajpath. The parade showcases India's military prowess, defence forces, and cultural heritage. The President of the country, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, takes the salute.
The parade begins from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President's (formerly the Viceroy's) official residence.
A state guest is invited to witness the Republic Day parade. This tradition has been followed since 1950. The guest is chosen after careful consideration of political and economic factors. In 2017, the UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was invited. In 2018, ten heads of the ASEAN states were invited. This includes the heads of state of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
From 1950 to 1954, the parade was held at various venues in New Delhi. Since 1955, it has been held at Rajpath.
Similar parades are also held in every state capital on this day.
The Beating Retreat ceremony, conducted by the three wings of the armed forces - the army, the navy, and the air force, takes place on January 29, concluding the Republic Day celebrations.
2021 marked the 72 nd Republic Day for India.
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Aspirants should keep these details in mind. Although a direct essay on Republic Day is never asked in the UPSC Exam, key facts about Republic Day can be used in answers or other essays.
26th January was chosen as the date for Republic Day because this was the day in 1930 when the Indian National Congress had demanded Complete Independence or Purna Swaraj, as opposed to the Dominion Status.
What is celebrated on Republic Day?
On Republic Day, the grand Republic Day Parade is held at the national capital New Delhi at the Rajpath. The parade showcases India’s military might, defence forces and cultural heritage.
What is the significance of Republic Day?
Republic Day marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect, turning India into a republic. It is a national holiday in India commemorated on 26th January.