Republic Day (India): Difference between revisions

{{short description|National holiday in India}}

|observedby    = [[India]]

|caption      = The original text of the [[Preamble to the Constitution of India]]. The [[Constitution of India]] came into force on {{start date|1950|01|26|df=y}}.

|longtype      = [[Public holidays in India|Public]]

|significance  = Inception of the [[Constitution of India]]

The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent [[republic]]. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic day because it was on this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence ([[Purna Swaraj]]) was proclaimed by the [[Indian National Congress]] in lieu of the [[Commonwealth Realm|Realm]] status as a [[Dominion]] later instated by the departing [[British raj|British Regime]].

India achieved independence from [[British Raj]] on 15 August 1947 following the [[Indian independence movement]]. The independence came through the [[Indian Independence Act 1947]] (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an [[Act of Parliament|Act]] of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] that partitioned [[British India]] into the two new independent [[Dominion]]s of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] (later Commonwealth of Nations).<ref name="the act">{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/10-11/30|title=Indian Independence Act 1947|publisher=[[The National Archives (United Kingdom)|The National Archives]], [[Her Majesty's Government (term)|Her Majesty's Government]]|access-date=17 July 2012}}</ref> India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a [[constitutional monarchy]] with [[George VI]] as head of state and [[Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma|the Earl Mountbatten]] as [[Governor-General of India|governor-general]]. The country, though, did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial [[Government of India Act 1935]]. On 29 August 1947, a resolution was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr [[B R Ambedkar]] as chairman. While India's [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/debates.htm|title=Constituent Assembly Debates (Proceedings)|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929102902/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/debates.htm|archive-date=29 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Assembly met for 166 days in public sessions spanning two years, 11 months, and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. The 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one in Hindi and one in English) on 24 January 1950, after much deliberation and some changes.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-01-24|title=In pomp and splendour|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/children/in-pomp-and-splendour/article26079712.ece|access-date=2022-01-26|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation. On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad's began his first term of office as President of the Indian Union. The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Republic Day, January 26: History, Significance & Celebration |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/republic-day-january-26-history-significance-celebration/articleshow/73604790.cms|access-date=24 January 2021|work=The Times of India|date=25 January 2020}}</ref> On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wangchuk|first=Rinchen Norbu|date=25 January 2021|title=5 Pre-Republic Day Speeches by Presidents That Told Us How to Preserve the Republic|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/247811/republic-day-president-address-to-the-nation-speech-constitution-ram-nath-kovind-abdul-kalam-india-nor41/|access-date=26 January 2021|website=The Better India|language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[Delhi Republic Day parade]] is held in the capital, New Delhi and is organised by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]. Commencing from the gates of the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]] (the President's residence), [[Raisina Hill]] on Rajpath past the [[India Gate]], this event is the main attraction of India's Republic Day Celebrations and lasts for three days. The parade showcases India's Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Eastern Fare |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/india-celebrates-63rd-republic-day.html |title=India Celebrates 63rd Republic Day |publisher=Efi-news.com |date=26 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515083307/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/india-celebrates-63rd-republic-day.html |archive-date=15 May 2012 }}</ref> Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The [[President of India]] who is the [[Commander-in-Chief]] of the [[Indian Armed Forces]], takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and police forces also take part in this parade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/samachar/feb15-04/html/ch1.htm |title=Chap |publisher=Mod.nic.in |access-date=22 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307214958/http://mod.nic.in/samachar/feb15-04/html/ch1.htm |archive-date=7 March 2011 }}</ref>

* [[Padma Vibhushan]] for "exceptional and distinguished service". Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ABOUT PADMA AWARDS|url=https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx}}</ref>

The decoration comprises a sanad (Certificate) issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion. The recipients are also given a replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc., if they desire. A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 January 2020|title=Govt announces names of 118 Padma Shri awardees on Republic Day eve {{!}} See full list|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/govt-announces-names-of-padma-shri-awardees-on-eve-of-republic-day-1640142-2020-01-25|access-date=24 January 2021|work=India Today|language=en}}</ref>