World’s largest democracy and home to a great diversity of faiths, India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day tomorrow, 26 January with great fervor across the country.
The day is also celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world by the Indian diaspora. In New Zealand, the Indian flag hoisting ceremony will be held at the the Wellington office of the Indian High Commission tomorrow (26 January) at 9.15am.
Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India. While India gained independence from the British empire in 1947, it wasn’t until January 26, 1950, that the Constitution came into effect, and the country became a republic.
The original Constitution of India is not a printed document, but a hand written one. The then Government of India, headed by PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, entrusted Nandalal Bose of Shantiniketan for decorating the pages with artwork depicting ancient Indian culture and texts. The calligraphy was done by Prem Behari Narain Raizada (Saxena) of Delhi.
This decorated hand written text is preserved at the Parliament Library in a helium filled glass case.
Epic celebrations to mark this historic occasion are held in India’s capital, New Delhi. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at the annual celebrations this year.
Celebrations will begin tomorrow at 10.15am with President Droupadi Murmu unfurling the national flag on the Kartavaya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) in the nation’s capital.
This will be followed by spectacular military spectacle and cultural pageantry, showcasing the rich tradition, cultural heritage, and the nation’s progress and achievements.
Parade starts from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) go along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate and onto the historic Red Fort. President of India receives the salute from different regiments.
The event also honors the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
Additionally, on that day, the President distributes Padma Awards to the deserving civilians of the country, and brave soldiers are awarded gallantry medals, viz. Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra.
The Beating Retreat ceremony is conducted on the evening of January 29, the third day after the Republic Day that denotes the end of celebrations.
India, a symbol of cultural diversity, is now recognized as a new economic superpower and is all set to be the third largest economy by 2030, according to a Morgan Stanley report.