By Mohd Amin Mir
Republic day is an auspicious day
that has influenced the country’s past, present, and future times.. It is the historical day not only in India but in the world across .
On 15th of August 1947 my country got its freedom after a prolonged struggle led by a tapestry of visionaries. However, this did not imbue India with the status of a republic; instead, India continued with the Government of India Act of 1935, upheld by the British raj. Therefore, it became a necessity to have a governing document that reflected the values, aspirations, and principles of independent India.
The workwas assigned to the Constituent Assembly that was elected for an undivided India. Dr.B.R Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the drafting committee, composed of seven members. The genesis of the Indian Constitution emerged from the tireless effort of these stalwarts who spent two years, eleven months, and eighteen days shaping the world’s most comprehensive constitution.
Initially a draft was prepared and shared with the members of the Assembly on November 4, 1947 and was minutely examined, debates held, suggestions were put forth, modifications were made, seeking a perfect balance between individual rights, societal norms, equality, and social justice.
The constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949 making India a sovereign state. However, it was decided intentionally to wait until January 26, 1950, to enforce the Constitution in complete totality. The delay to January 26th was symbolically chosen because it marked the anniversary of “Purna Swaraj” – the Declaration of Indian Independence, which was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by the British Regime.
Prior to twenty years on January 1930 India had vowed to fight for complete independence, rejecting the proposal of dominion status put forth by the British. Therefore, January 26 had emotionally and historically resonated with the struggle for complete autonomy. Thus, the adoption of the Constitution on this day was fitting, symbolically marking the transition from a ‘British Dominion’ to a ‘Sovereign Republic.’
and the Republic Day was born, where we don’t merely celebrate the enforcement of the Constitution but remember the blood, sweat, and tears of the innumerable freedom fighters and the intellect, determination, and resolve of the members of the Constituent Assembly. It is a consolidation of our history of struggle, the celebration of our hard-fought sovereignty, and the reinforcement of our democracy, the largest in the world.
It is celebrated with the intention that befits the weight this day holds in India’s history. The celebration is a spectacle to behold, including a ceremonial parade at Rajpath, New Delhi. This event is marked by the display of India’s military prowess, diverse culture and heritage portrayed through tableaus by different states, aerial acrobatics by the air force, and performances by school children.
The President unfurls the national flag, everyone stands at attention for the National Anthem, and awards like the gallantry awards are distributed, paying tribute to the bravery of defence personnel and civilians. One can also admire the ceremonious daredevilry of women and men in uniform and the enchanting melody of the Beating Retreat ceremony ensues a few days later.
However, it’s not just about the celebrations and the breathtaking spectacle. The essence of Republic Day lies in the Constitution – the document that secures to all its citizens justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is the amalgamation of our dreams, diversity and the spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity.’
To conclude, as we celebrate our 76th Republic Day, it offers an opportune moment to reflect upon our past, the strides we have taken as a nation, and the journey ahead. It’s a testament to our thriving democracy and collective resilience. As we unfurl the tricolor, let’s pledge to uphold the principles enshrined in our esteemed Constitution and strive for a stronger, united, and inclusive India. January 26th and its historical symbolism stand testament to a divisive past, the strength of our present, and the sheer possibilities of the future, and that’s why this day is fondly and respectfully cherished as the Republic Day of India.
This year theme is Swamim Baharat _ Virasat aur Vikas( Golden India_ Heritage and Development) Potraying both India’s contineous progress and its rich cultural legacy.The Indonesian president Praboun Subinato will be the chief guest.The theme have been selected in line with the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji ‘s views that India is truly a mother of democracy.
Author is office patwari tehsil office Qazigund
