58th Indian Republic Day....

The most significant day in the history of India is January 26, 1950, because it was on this day a country named was established with all the constitutional powers. It was on this day we, through the constitution proclaimed that "We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic and to secure to all its citizens justice; social, economic and political liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.". Thus the day January 26 is celebrated every year as the Republic Day of India.

On Republic Day regional identity gives way to national identity. Neither caste, creed nor religion matter. What is predominant is the Indian-ness of the people. Republic Day reminds us of the fulfillment of the pledge that was made on the midnight of Independence as a "tryst with destiny". Republic day for every Indian is a vision of India that we nourish, an acceptance of responsibility and making of promises as well as recapitulation of the achievements.

The origin and history of the Republic day begins from the very day of Indian Independence. After the independence, to organise Indian under one flag, under the supervision of The Indian Constituent Assembly, The Indian Constitution was finalised with 395 Articles and eight Schedules, and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The Indian Republic officially came into being on January 26, 1950. January 26 was not some random date picked out of the calendar. It was on this date in 1927, that the Indian National Congress, then fighting its non-violent war for freedom, voted for complete independence as against 'dominion status'. It was the date when members of the INC took the pledge to work towards a 'sovereign democratic republic' of India. India had become a geographical entity on August 15, 1947, but it was on January 26, 1950 that it became a nation in the true sense, with a constitution and elected representatives of the people.

It was on Republic Day Indian finally enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together even in her embedded diversity.

Republic Day is the most important day in the history of India and today, the most solemnly celebrated occasion too. The Day is celebrated all over the country at all the administrative units like the capital cities, district headquarters, sub divisions, talukas, and panchayats. Republic Day parades are the major ceremony on the day.

In 2008 we celebrate the 58th Republic Day of India. But I painfully ask you, when swinging the 'Tricolour' and singing 'Vandemataram', how many of us are genuinely kindled with the true national spirit? How many of us are aware of the pathetic realities that engulf our mother nation? Endeavoring to be a part of the global business boom, we have already crushed our cultural values beneath our foot. Recently we have witnessed political leaders making proud proclamation of murders they have committed and seeking vote on it's basis. Indian women are mother-like only in the poems and on the streets they are just commodities of entertainment and helpless prays of lust and abuse.

Better late than never. Let us put down the flags for a while; let us stop shouting meaningless slogans for a moment. With a determined mind to change the face of India and the destiny of Indians, let us join our hands and sing our National Anthem with true pride of an Indian. Let our voice break through the sky to bring down the rays of a new dawn of peace, fraternity and prosperity.

Republic Day.....

26th January 1950 is one of the most important days in Indian history as it was on this day the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign state. In this day India became a totally republican unit. The country finally realized the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the numerous freedom fighters who, fought for and sacrificed their lives for the Independence of their country. So, the 26th of January was decreed a national holiday and has been recognized and celebrated as the Republic Day of India, ever since.

Today, the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country and especially in the capital, New Delhi where the celebrations start with the Presidential to the nation. The beginning of the occasion is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defense of sovereignty of their country. Then, the President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations.

To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The different regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations even the horses of the cavalry are attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. The crème of N.C.C cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to participate in this event, as do the school children from various schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms.

The parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion. The parade and the ensuing pageantry is telecast by the National Television and is watched by millions of viewers in every corner of the country.

The patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country together even in her essential diversity. Every part of the country is represented in occasion, which makes the Republic Day the most popular of all the national holidays of India.