From Irwin Amphitheater to Macron’s Presence: Unraveling the tapestry of Republic Day’s 75-year legacy

Republic Day pulsates as the heartbeat of a thriving democracy. It transcends the confines of a mere date on the calendar; instead, it resonates as a symphony of sovereignty. Each year, this momentous occasion is marked with grandeur and pomp across the nation. Now, it is our moment to step into that realm and prepare for the jubilant celebration of India’s 75th Republic Day!

This significant day unfolds with a myriad of programs, including early morning parades, an impressive air show by the Indian Air Force, the rendition of the national anthem, and the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag. Many schools actively involve their students in these celebrations. However, amidst the familiar customs, there exist some intriguing and often overlooked facts about this day that many of us are scarcely aware of.

Republic Day commemorates the momentous occasion when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. Notably, the constitution was drafted and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.

Let’s embark on a journey of exploration and unveil the lesser-known facts that adorn the tapestry of this particular day.

1 Did you know that the inaugural Republic Day parade took place in 1950 at Irwin Amphitheater, now recognised as Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, located in Delhi? Over 100 aircraft and 3,000 Indian military men took part in the display.

2 Rajpath had its inaugural parade in 1955. Interestingly, Pakistan’s Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the chief guest at the occasion.

3 Our Constitution is not something that is imprinted on a single paper or two, rather it is the longest-written Constitution in the entire world which can not be read in one single day. It has incorporated 448 Articles in 22 Parts, 12 Schedules, and 97 Amendments!

4 Double Anniversary: January 26th marks not just Republic Day, but also “Purna Swaraj Day” commemorated in 1930 when Nehru declared complete independence from British rule. Choosing this date tied the new republic to the independence movement.

5 Though India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana” plays prominently, a lesser-known fact is that Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite hymn “Abide with Me” is also played during the parade.

6 The original handwritten Constitution exists in both Hindi and English, signed by 308 members on January 24th, 1950. This bilingual approach highlights the importance of linguistic diversity in India.

7 Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, was sworn in at the Durbar Hall of the Government House on January 26th, 1950. This tradition of the President taking the oath on this day continues.

8 President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first chief guest at the first Republic Day Celebration of India on the 26th of January, 1950.

9 Before 1955 (until 1954), the Republic Day celebrations were performed on the Kingsway, Lal Kila, and Ramlila Ground.

What should we know about the 75th Republic Day?

This year, The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has been invited to attend the celebrations. It’s the sixth time, a French leader will be the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations.

The theme of the 75th Republic Day is: Mother of Democracy and Viksit Bharat.

Each revelation adds a stroke to the vibrant portrait of India’s democratic journey, turning Republic Day into an ever-evolving narrative of unity and resilience.

 The upcoming Republic Day parade will showcase the participation of two all-women contingents from the defense forces. According to defense officials, one contingent, consisting of 144 personnel, will be exclusively composed of women soldiers, with 60 from the Army and the remaining from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.