V
Vedant Pathak
Guest
India underwent 200 years of British colonial rule before gaining independence in 1947 through patriotic rallies and civil disobedience activities led by individuals such as Subhash Chandra Bose. However, after centuries of rule by a foreign ruler, Indian leaders understood the necessity to transform the newly liberated nation into a self-governing republic that reflected the sovereignty of the people. India declared January 26th as its Republic Day to honor the pivotal moments that encouraged the change.
Purna Swaraj Declaration | PC – Scroll.in
Even before the creation of India’s republic, January 26th held crucial historical significance. The Indian National Congress released the Declaration of Independence of India, popularly known as “Purna Swaraj” in 1930. This public declaration was a turning point in the independence movement, rallying the community around one common goal of eliminating British control. As a result, the date was seen as appropriate for honoring India’s eventual realization of self-government decades later.
January 26th was the date India approved its Constitution in 1950, more than two years after obtaining initial autonomous dominion status within the British Commonwealth in 1947. The acceptance of this constitution eliminated the remaining remnants of British rule, transforming the country as a sovereign republic. As such, this date highlighted India’s lengthy road to becoming an entirely self-governing democracy.
India’s founding leaders saw January 26th as the obvious symbolic date for celebrating Republic Day, recognizing the decades of struggle that led to the establishment of the republic. The annual commemoration of the Constitution’s adoption reinforced India’s commitment to the rule of law and limits on government power.
During the inaugural Republic Day celebrations held in 1950, India put its nationalist pride on full display, setting positive intentions for the path forward. Parades and cultural events conveyed historic pride in the nation’s ancient yet diverse heritage. Moreover, speeches by Indian leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reminded citizens of the revolutionary accomplishments that brought freedom along with duties to build a just, democratic society moving forward. This first Republic Day thus set traditions and expectations that have become mainstays of the annual celebrations over the past seven decades.
Dignitaries at the first Republic Day parade in 1950 | PC – Indian Express
The 2024 Republic Day parade promises to be a significant display of India’s strength and democratic values. Taking place on Kartavya Path before approximately 77,000 attendees, this year’s parade emphasizes ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ themes. The presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as chief guest adds meaning, with a 95-member French contingent, 33-member band, and aircrafts set to participate. For the first time, an all-women tri-services group comprising Army, Navy and Air Force personnel will take part. By incorporating diverse participants, the 2024 parade encapsulates India’s military might and cultural plurality
France’s Macron with PM Modi | PC – Indian Express PC – Hindustan Times
By establishing January 26th as the annual Republic Day commemoration, India established a symbolic link to the iconic events that marked the country’s transition to self-rule. Though seven decades have passed since the first Republic Day, the annual celebrations, parades, and ceremonies continue to revive the revolutionary enthusiasm that brought down the colonial regime and established the world’s largest government of, by, and for the people.
The post Why was January 26 chosen as Republic Day of India? appeared first on The Jaipur Dialogues.
Continue reading...
Purna Swaraj Declaration | PC – Scroll.in
The Significance of January 26th
Even before the creation of India’s republic, January 26th held crucial historical significance. The Indian National Congress released the Declaration of Independence of India, popularly known as “Purna Swaraj” in 1930. This public declaration was a turning point in the independence movement, rallying the community around one common goal of eliminating British control. As a result, the date was seen as appropriate for honoring India’s eventual realization of self-government decades later.
The Transition to a Republic
January 26th was the date India approved its Constitution in 1950, more than two years after obtaining initial autonomous dominion status within the British Commonwealth in 1947. The acceptance of this constitution eliminated the remaining remnants of British rule, transforming the country as a sovereign republic. As such, this date highlighted India’s lengthy road to becoming an entirely self-governing democracy.
January 26th as a Symbol
India’s founding leaders saw January 26th as the obvious symbolic date for celebrating Republic Day, recognizing the decades of struggle that led to the establishment of the republic. The annual commemoration of the Constitution’s adoption reinforced India’s commitment to the rule of law and limits on government power.
The First Republic Day
During the inaugural Republic Day celebrations held in 1950, India put its nationalist pride on full display, setting positive intentions for the path forward. Parades and cultural events conveyed historic pride in the nation’s ancient yet diverse heritage. Moreover, speeches by Indian leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reminded citizens of the revolutionary accomplishments that brought freedom along with duties to build a just, democratic society moving forward. This first Republic Day thus set traditions and expectations that have become mainstays of the annual celebrations over the past seven decades.
Dignitaries at the first Republic Day parade in 1950 | PC – Indian Express
The Diamond Jubilee of India’s Republic
The 2024 Republic Day parade promises to be a significant display of India’s strength and democratic values. Taking place on Kartavya Path before approximately 77,000 attendees, this year’s parade emphasizes ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ themes. The presence of French President Emmanuel Macron as chief guest adds meaning, with a 95-member French contingent, 33-member band, and aircrafts set to participate. For the first time, an all-women tri-services group comprising Army, Navy and Air Force personnel will take part. By incorporating diverse participants, the 2024 parade encapsulates India’s military might and cultural plurality
France’s Macron with PM Modi | PC – Indian Express PC – Hindustan Times
By establishing January 26th as the annual Republic Day commemoration, India established a symbolic link to the iconic events that marked the country’s transition to self-rule. Though seven decades have passed since the first Republic Day, the annual celebrations, parades, and ceremonies continue to revive the revolutionary enthusiasm that brought down the colonial regime and established the world’s largest government of, by, and for the people.
The post Why was January 26 chosen as Republic Day of India? appeared first on The Jaipur Dialogues.
Continue reading...