Republic Day

This day, the 26^th of January, each year holds a very special significance in India. This is the day India got its constitution, which also came into force making India a sovereign state and declaring it a republic. Dr. BR Ambedkar presided over the drafting committee of the constitution. Republic was declared, so this day is celebrated as Republic Day.

Republic Day symbolizes the spirit of independent India. On this day in 1950, the Indian National Congress declared Poorna Swaraj, a declaration of India's independence from colonial rule. This day also reminds the Indian citizens of the power to choose their government in a democratic manner. The nation celebrates this day as a national holiday for the establishment of the Indian Constitution.

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India as a Republic

The meaning of the word republic means “a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.” 

Talking about the background of our country India with the numerous changes that came in terms of being ruled by foreign hands, facing trials and hardships and challenges which are possibly unknown to most of us from this generation. Imagine having a new lease of life, gaining a face in the world, where India was no more than a poor land, which was timid and shy to making her mark as a republic. Reaching a place where India can stretch her arms to aid those countries who are in need of help and support, commanding that position which wasn’t even ever dreamt of. We owe it all to our leaders who made this a success to reap the benefits of their hard work.

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Meaning of constitution

According to the dictionary constitution means “a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed”

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It frames fundamental political principles, procedures, practices, rights, powers, and duties of the government. It imparts constitutional supremacy and not parliamentary supremacy, as it is not created by the Parliament but, by a constituent assembly, and adopted by its people, with a declaration in its preamble. Parliament cannot override it.

The world’s longest constitution is the Indian constitution. At its commencement, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. It consists of approximately 145,000 words, making it the second-largest active constitution in the world. Currently, it has a preamble, 25 parts with 12 schedules, 5 appendices, 448 articles, and 101 amendments.

Wow, amazing isn’t it? We all cry out fighting for our rights. Have we even realized that if there was not constitution we would still be living without even basic rights?

The Constitution of India provides its citizens with six fundamental rights. These rights are the Right to Freedom, Right to Equality, Cultural and Educational Rights, Right to Constitutional Remedies, Right against Exploitation, Recently, the Right to Privacy has also been added to fundamental rights.

Republic Day is celebrated with great pomp all over the country. The main attraction of Republic Day celebrations is the parade which starts from Rajpath, Delhi and ends at India Gate. On this day the President of the country hoists the flag at Rajpath, New Delhi. On this day, along with cultural programs, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force also display the cultural and social heritage of India through parades and airshows.

Knowing the background of the wonderful celebration, I am sure each of us with value and respect our rights and use them responsibly. It is our duty to safeguard our country’s honour. Let’s all transform happily on this day! Jai Hind.

The Constitution of India: Introduction, History, Fundamental Rights, Videos (toppr.com)