*Janaganamana Adhinayaka, Jaya He, Bharatabhagyavidhata!
Republic Day,
celebrated on January 26th every year, is one of India’s most
important national events. It was on January 26th, 1950 that the
constitution of India came into force and India became a truly Sovereign,
Democratic and Republic state.
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| India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru signing the constitution on 24th Jan,1950. |
A draft constitution
was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947.
The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a
period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After
many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly
signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English)
on 24 January 1950. Two days later, it came into effect throughout the nation.
On this day, India finally
enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of
governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the
whole country together even in her embedded diversity. When regional
identity takes a backseat and what matters most is the universal appeal of
unity and brotherhood projected by all Indians.
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| PM Modi arrives at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, to mark his respects |
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| Jammu & Kashmir tableaux at Rajpath |
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| Meghalaya tableaux at Rajpath |
Republic Day is celebrated most majestically in the capital, New
Delhi. The grand parade on Rajpath in New Delhi on the 26th of January is the
main event of the celebration of India's Republic Day which is a three-day celebration, culminating in the beating retreat ceremony on the evening of the
29th January.
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| India celebrates Republic Day |
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| The dare devil stunts of motorbike riders of BSF |
The symbols of the great nation's military might and
cultural wealth are displayed in what is the world's most impressive parade. All Government buildings are illuminated lending the city the atmosphere of a
fairyland. This day is celebrated with much zeal and pride all across the
nation.
Since
1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another country as
the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The chief guest at India's first Republic Day on January 26, 1950 was
the President of Indonesia. This year, leaders from the 10
ASEAN nations - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei - will be the chief guests at
Republic Day. For
the first time in Indian Republic Day history,
the Republic Day parade in 2018 will be attended by 10 heads of state
from ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional grouping of 10
Southeast Asian countries.
JAY HIND!
* "Janaganamana....." is the National Song of India.
Image Courtesy: google.com