On this same date, in the year 1930, the Indian National Congress had hoisted the Indian flag on the banks of Ravi (Lahore) with a Purna Swaraj declaration. Meaning, complete self-rule independent of the British Empire. This day also marked the start of an intensified freedom struggle all over India. Therefore, 26th January was aptly chosen as the Republic Day.
Now, the Constitution of a country is a set of fundamental principles concerning its chosen manner of governance. This document lays down the powers and duties of the government as well as the rights and duties of the citizens. It also gives out details on procedures, structures and codes applicable for all.
When India went live with her Bharatiya Samvidhana, the country got a new lease of life. Framed meticulously by Indian leaders, it promised to enhance and safeguard every aspect of each citizens’ life. It also clearly laid out all the building blocks for the long-term growth of India. Above all, this Constitution replaced the British’s Government of India Act (1935); that claimed to allow Indians a greater say in their governance, but was actually far from it.
More reasons to celebrate and cherish the significance of the Republic Day
1. Republic Day marked the birth of a brand-new clear Identity for India
India’s new identity was born on the Republic Day. Most importantly, she now asserts herself as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
In other words, India moved from a Dominion status within the Commonwealth realm (under the British monarch) to an Independent Sovereign Republic status with the President as a nominal Head. This day realized our freedom fighters’ vision of Purna Swaraj, from being a Dominion of India to a Republic of India.
2. Integration of fragmented India, another significant aspect of the Republic Day
Even after her independence on 15th August 1947, India’s internal situation was turbulent. This was primarily because of the partition and accompanied riots.
Another reason was the lack of unity amongst the princely states. The erstwhile British India comprised of 17 provinces and 564 princely states. Subsequently, the provinces were divided between India and Pakistan but not the princely states. They had the option to join either of the countries or even remain independent!.
However, with Sardar Vallabhai Patel (deputy Prime Minister) at the helm, India persevered to integrate all these states to form a united nation.
A fragmented nation without a single unified central government was a threat by itself. But Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s team travelled across the length and breadth of the country to bring them together. Moreover, they used extensive negotiations (and sometimes military prowess), to politically integrate India under a single Constitution, effective 26th January 1950 (Republic Day)
3. Healthy environment for the log-term progress and safety for citizens
Republic day marks the advent of fundamental rights to Indian citizens after hundreds of years of subjugation. The oppressed, freedom-hungry Indians welcomes their basic rights of justice, equality and liberty with gratitude. Finally, they had the resources to shape their lives the way they wanted.
4. Constitutional Supremacy
Republic Day is also significant with respect to the fact that it imparted constitutional supremacy over parliamentary supremacy in India. That is to say that, the Parliament or any powerful politician cannot override the Constitution on their whims and fancies.
5. Detailed and well thought out framework for long-term progress.
Republic Day is also important as it reminds us that our freedom fighters and leaders spent three whole years to draft the constitution. Dr B.R Ambedkar and his 389 member teams studied the constitutional framework of over 60 countries along with all previous legislations of India. Subsequently, he drafted the longest (sovereign) constitution in the world. Hence, the Constitution of India has a whopping 470 articles grouped in 25 parts, 12 schedules and five appendices!
Key points of every possible aspect of governance including detailing on Directive principles of State policy, Citizenship, Fundamental Rights & Duties; Trade & Commerce, Finance, Contracts & Suits are clarified threadbare here. Also the roles, responsibilities. functions and protocol of the States, Union territories, Municipalities, Panchayats etc are thrashed out here.
6. Recognition of exemplary citizenship, an important aspect of Republic Day.
Republic Days’ living significance is in the fact, that the President announces the Padma awardees, the highest civilian awards after the Bharat Ratna. These a maximum of 120 awards given out in the fields of Art, Social Work, Public affairs, STEM, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports. Listed in order of their merit:
- Padma-Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service
- Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order
- Padma Shri for distinguished service.
Additionally, awards are given out for the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra (for exceptional valor).
7. Republic day is of special significance for the Armed Forces.
There is a live broadcast of the Republic Day parade (Delhi) . This is the day when the Armed Forces of Army, Navy and Airforce come to the fore. Indians get a glimpse of the silent warriors who work night and day to keep the country safe. Additionally, the march past, the fly past and beautiful displays put by Indian soldiers are impresssive. Above all, the whole country felicitates the soldiers and pays homage to the martyrs.
8. A sense of national Integration is yet another significant aspect of Republic Day
On this day, the individual identities of a person, state, hometown etc are all dissolved into the larger identity of the nation.
All States participate extensively in the Delhi Republic Day Parade. They spend months perfecting brilliant shows exhibiting their culture. Also, within every organization, locality, Republic Day celebrations abound. Certainly, a feeling of oneness and patriotism pervades the countrymen.
9. Remembering the advice of our freedom fighters is a huge significance of Republic Day
Today, after a long struggle for Independence and a long journey of economic and social reforms, we stand at the threshold of the Republic Day 2022. And now we can proudly proclaim to have emerged from an underdeveloped nations to one of the fastest growing nations in the world.
It is only fair that before we jump into the celebrations, we spend a few minutes remembering our heroes. Also, their values and ethos whose sacrifices gifted us special and significant occasions like the Republic Day and the Independence Day.
Republic Day Freedom Fighters, Republic Day Leaders
A quick look at the some thoughts of five freedom fighters. These give us a glimpse of their ethics and spiritual inclinations.
1.Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was one of the foremost leaders in this Indian Independence movement. His leadership was based on the two fundamental Dharmic truths of India. First, Non-violence “’Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’ and second Truth, Satya on which the concept of Satyagraha was based. An educated barrister, he lived the life of a renunciate while leading the country silently against the oppressive British regime
The mighty British Empire had to yield to the power of his teachings of Non-violence and Truth. Remembering these simple virtues, can add a new significance to Republic Day. These qualities if re-inculcated in the young, can lead to a cultural renaissance of India.
Mahatma Gandhi quotes with significance of Republic day
‘In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place’
‘Man is but a product of his thoughts, what he thinks he becomes.’
‘Non cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.’
‘A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history’
‘Earth provides enough to satisfy every mans need but not every man’s greed
‘The human body is meant solely for service, never for indulgence. The secret of a happy life lies in renunciation. Renunciation is life, indulgence spells death.’
2.Sardar Vallabhai patel
Know as the Iron Man of India, he was one of the closest lieutenants of Gandhiji. Most importantly, he accomplished the formidable job of integrating the many hundred princely states within the Republic of India. Fiercely loyal to Gandhiji, Sardar Vallabhai Patel was known for his straightforwardness and courage.
Further, post partition riots, wars, death of his mentor, nothing could stop him from executing his task of integrating India. Learning how to be tough and persevering in all circumstances, from Sardar Patel can add true significance to the Republic Day.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel quotes with significance of Republic day
‘Take to the path of Dharma- the path of truth and justice. Don’t misuse your valour. Remain united. March forward in all humility, but fully awake to the situation you face, demanding your rights and firmness.’
‘There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls.’
3. Jawaharlal Nehru
The first Prime Minister of Independent India, he played an important role in the freedom struggle from the 1920’s. as a close advocate of Gandhiji. A strong advocate of democracy, science and technology, he was also instrumental in forging international allies for India’s independence struggle.
Widely popular in India, he has had the longest ever stint, as an Indian Prime Minister. His literary work is widely read even today.
Despite being from an aristocratic background, Jawaharlal Nehru didn’t think twice before rolling up his sleeves and getting to work amongst the masses. Whats more his treatise, ‘Discovery on India’ is a real tribute to the history of the country. Learning how the duty towards one’s nation is greater than any luxuries of life can be the importance of this Republic day.
Jawaharlal Nehru quotes with significance of Republic Day
‘Culture is the widening of the mind and the spirit’
“Politics and Religion are obsolete. The time has come for Science and Spirituality.’
4. Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904-1966)
This second Prime minister of India was a soft spoken but strong-willed patriot. In addition to this, Gandhiji’s and Swami Vivekananda’s works influenced him greatly right from his teens. Subsequently, he played a significant role in the promotion of the White Revolution and the Green Revolution. Assimilating his ideas of revering the farmers and soldiers for their tireless contribution to the country can be the significance of this Republic Day.
Lal Bahadur Shastri quotes with significance of Republic Day
‘The preservation of freedom is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong. We all have to work in our respective spheres with the same dedication, the same zeal and the same determination which inspires and motivates the warrior on the battle. And this has to be shown not by mere words, but by actual deeds.’
5. Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920)
Popularly known as Lokmanya Tilak, this radical freedom fighter was literally ‘lok’- ‘manya’ as in followed by the people. The British called him., ‘the Father of Indian unrest’ as he was the first leader of the nation-wide India independence movement.
Also, Tilak along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal formed the famous triumvirate of Lal-Bal-Pal. Learning how to use the power of the written word as Lokmanya Tilak accomplished with the ‘Kesari’ can add significance to this Republic Day.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s most famous quote with significance of Republic Day
‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.’
These are just 5 of the many celebrated as well as unsung freedom fighters and leaders of India. The trials and tribulations of their lives remind us that the freedom we enjoy today is precious. And soon we realize that the importance of days like the Republic Day and the Independence Day is so much more.
Republic Day celebrations
Republic Day is a nationwide holiday in India. But flag hoisting and Republic celebrations ring in every society, every school, every organization of the country.
The Republic Day celebrations in the capital of New Delhi last for three days right from the eve of 26th January. The Delhi Republic Day parade organised by the Ministry of Defence, right from Rajpath to the India Gate is the main national attraction.
- Before the parade the Prime Minister honors the country’s martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial, Janpath. A two- minute silence is observed after this. This is in memory of the freedom fighters, soldiers and leaders who sacrificed their lives both in the Pre/Post-Independence Era.
- Next, The President unfurls the National Flag. Subsequently, the National anthem is played followed by a 21- gun salute by the Indian Armed Forces.
- The President awards the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra to soldiers and civilians who have shown exceptional valor in different scenarios. This is followed by the Armed forces’ march past. The only camel-mounted armed force in the world, the Border Security Force is a special attraction.
- All states and Union territories participate in the parade through moving exhibits, floats etc that depict their art, culture, music and everyday lives.
- The parade ends with a motor-cycle display by the Indian armed forces and a flypast by the Airforce.
- Next, tableaux of historical events from select states are displayed.
- The celebrations come to an end on 29th January with the Beating Retreat. This is a combined performance of the Armed Forces of Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Airforce.
Participation by children
- The best N.C.C cadets selected from across the country participate in the parade
- School children also present dances in the parade.
- Children who have received the National Bravery Award participate in the parade on decorated elephants or vehicles.
Happy Republic Day! Read all about Bhagavad Gita quotes on Karma here, Top 25 Bhagavad Gita quotes for students here, Powerful benefits of Gayatri mantra for students/ Gayatri mantra chanting rules here, Sattva Rajas Tamas here, Om chanting benefits here, Mantra Meditation benefits here and Swami Vivekanandas teachings here
