In pre-independence era, January 26, 1930, was celebrated as India’s Independence Day or Purna Swaraj Day, the day India decided to fight for complete freedom. It later came to be celebrated as Republic Day in honour of the date on which the Constitution of India came into force, January 26, 1950. The Constitution then replaced the Government of India Act (1935) to become the governing document of India. January 26, 1950, also happens to be the day that Dr. Rajendra Prasad was chosen as the first President of independent India. Another memorable part of the Republic Day is that the Indian Air Force (which was earlier called Royal Indian Air Force) came into existence on the same day in the same year, January 26, 1950.
Not many are aware that Republic Day celebrations actually go on for three days. The celebrations conclude with a military ceremony, called The Beating Retreat on January 29. On this day, the three armed forces and paramilitary forces march to the tunes of their bands. Our Constitution also happens to be the longest (with 448 articles) in the world. 12 Schedules, and 97 Amendments, and cannot be read in a single day.
It took Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, also called the Architect of Indian Constitution, two years and 11 months to draft it. It is said, the Assembly gathered for 166 days spread over two years before the final version was formed. Leaders took the best aspects from other countries’ constitutions, like, for example, the concept of liberty, equality and fraternity came from the French constitution while the Five-Year Plans came from the USSR constitution, the idea of division of power between Union and State has been taken from the Canadian constitution, the directorial elements from the Constitution of Ireland, the emergency carriage system from German Constitution.
The first copy of the constitution was not printed, rather it was handwritten (calligraphed) in English and Hindi. And they have kept in the library at the Parliament House, preserved in helium-filled cases. The original constitution of India was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. It took him six months to finish the writing. Republic Day celebrations, as followed today, began in 1995, when the first parade was held in Rajpath, with Malik Gulam Mohammed, the first governor-general of Pakistan, as the first chief guest of the parade.
A Christian song, Abide With Me, is played at the Republic Day Parade as it is said to be one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite songs. The President addresses the Republic Day, whereas the Prime Minister addresses the Independence Day. 21 gun salutes are given when the President of India hoists the national flag on Republic Day. Republic Day is also the day when deserving candidates are bestowed with bravery awards by the President of India. Veer Chakra, Maha Veer Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Ashoka Chakra are the awards that are giving away on this day.
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