| After Independence, January 26th, 1950 is one of | | | | The president then addressed the crowd first in |
| the most important day in Indian history as it was | | | | Hindi, and then in English. |
| on this day the constitution of India came into | | | | "Today, for the first time in our long and |
| force and India became a truly sovereign state | | | | chequered history," he said, "we find the whole of |
| called as Republic Of India. The country finally | | | | this vast land... brought together under the |
| realized the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the | | | | jurisdiction of one constitution and one union which |
| numerous freedom fighters who, fought for and | | | | takes over responsibility for the welfare of more |
| sacrificed their lives for the Independence of their | | | | than 320 million men and women who inhabit it." |
| country. So, the 26th of January was decreed a | | | | Indian Republic Day Today .. |
| national holiday and has been recognized and | | | | Republic Day is India's great national festival. It is |
| celebrated as the Republic Day of India, ever | | | | celebrated every year on January 26, in New |
| since. | | | | Delhi with great pomp and pageant and in capitals |
| On this Day the Constitution of India came into | | | | of the States, as well as at other headquarters |
| force, and India declared itself as a "Indian | | | | and important places with patriotic fervor. |
| Republic" on January 26, 1950. The Constitution | | | | The most spectacular celebrations include the |
| had been prepared by the Constituent Assembly | | | | march past of the three armed Forces, massive |
| which was set up upon India gaining its | | | | parades, folk dances by tribal folk from the |
| independence from the British in 1947. This, in | | | | different states in picturesque costumes marking |
| fact, was a deliberate act: the 26th of January | | | | the cultural unity of India. Further, the streak of |
| was initially India's "Independence Day", one of | | | | jet planes of Indian Air Force, leaving a trial of |
| Mahatma Gandhi's many symbolic acts during | | | | colored smoke, marks the end of the festival. |
| India's Freedom Struggle against the British colonial | | | | The trees on both sides of the routes and the |
| rule, and the adoption of the Constitution on this | | | | lawns become alive with spectators. |
| date was felt able to strengthen its initial meaning, | | | | The President of India at New Delhi, on this most |
| one calling for Indians of all ages to declare their | | | | colourful day, takes salute of the contingents of |
| freedom from the British Raj. | | | | Armed Forces. |
| On January 26, 1950 | | | | The Republic Day celebrations have rightly |
| In the capital, Delhi, the day began with the 34th | | | | become world famous as one of the greatest |
| and last Governor-General of India, Chakravarti | | | | shows on earth drawing thousands of eager |
| Rajagopalachari, reading out a proclamation | | | | sight-seers from all over the country and many |
| announcing the birth of the Republic of India. The | | | | parts of the world. No other country can draw on |
| new President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, then took the | | | | such a wealth of tribal traditions and cultures, so |
| oath of office. | | | | many regional forms of dances and dress. |
| Dr Prasad was a key campaigner in the nationalist | | | | Summary: India Became Republic Of India On |
| movement of Mahatma Gandhi, along with India's | | | | January 26, 1950 and that day is celebrated as |
| interim Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. | | | | Indian Republic Day all over. |