76th Indian Republic Day 2025

Why in News? 

76th Indian Republic Day 2025: On January 26, 2025, India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution and the country’s transition from colonial rule to a republic.

Key Highlights of Republic Day 2025

• Chief Guest: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.
• Indonesian Contingent: A 160-member marching contingent and a 190-member band from Indonesia will join Indian armed forces’ units in the parade on Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025.
• Cultural Performance: 300 cultural artists will start the parade by playing musical instruments, including “Saare Jahan Se Achha”.
• Tableaux: 31 tableaux from various states, union territories, and central ministries will participate.
  • Focus theme is Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas: “Golden India: Heritage and Development”. 
  • Two tableaux will highlight 75 years of the Constitution.
  • For the first time, a joint tableau of the three armed forces will pass through Kartavya Path.
• Important Attractions: Highlights will include the 150th anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the India Meteorological Department.
• Cultural Program: A cultural performance titled “Jayati Jaya Mamaha Bharatam” will feature over 5000 artists and 45 dance styles from across India, organized by the Ministry of Culture.
• Veer Gatha 4.0: The third edition of the Veer Gatha program was conducted to honor the valor and sacrifices of the armed forces. The event engaged around 1.76 crore students across India, with 100 students declared winners.
• Bharat Parv: From January 26-31, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism will organize the Bharat Parv at Red Fort. This Parv will feature Republic Day tableaux and military bands.
• NCC Rally: On January 27, 2025, the “Youth Power – Developed India” theme will be highlighted at the Prime Minister’s NCC Rally at Kariyappa Parade Ground.
• Beating Retreat Ceremony: The Republic Day celebrations will conclude on January 29, 2025, with the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk.

Indian Republic Day: Introduction & History

• Introduction:

• • • Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January every year in India to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a dominion to a republic. It marks the day when the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act, 1935, and establishing a sovereign, democratic republic.
    • This day is significant because on 26th January, 1930, the Indian National Congress (INC) had declared the Purna Swaraj or complete independence from British rule. Therefore, this date holds deep national importance in the journey of India’s freedom and self-rule.
    • The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949, but it became effective on 26th January, 1950. This marks the day when India officially became a republic. 
    • On this day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India, and the new government structure under the Constitution began functioning.

History:

• Pre-Independence Period (1900-1947):

  • In the early 20th century, India was under British colonial rule. The struggle for independence intensified, especially in the 1920s, with major events like the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • In 1927, the British government set up the Simon Commission to discuss political reforms in India. This led to widespread protests, especially because it had no Indian representation.
  • As a response, the Indian National Congress formed its own commission under Motilal Nehru and he proposed the Nehru Report, in 1928 which demanded Dominion Status for India. The British, however, did not implement this demand immediately.
  • The 1929 Lahore Congress Session marked a turning point when the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence), rejecting British authority. This decision led to the demand for full independence and the need for a national Constitution.
  • The declaration of independence was officially made on 26th January 1930, and the Congress urged Indians to celebrate “freedom” on that day. 

• The Role of the Constitution Assembly (1946-1949):

  • After India gained independence on 15th August, 1947, the country initially functioned under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, and the Government of India Act, 1935. A Constituent Assembly was formed to draft a new Constitution.
  • In August 1947, the Drafting Committee was established. This committee was led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to prepare a comprehensive Constitution for the newly independent nation.
  • On 26th November, 1949, the Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
  • On 26th January, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, and India officially became a Republic. The country was no longer a dominion of the British Crown and had its own sovereign, democratic governance.

Significance of Republic Day

• Democracy and Sovereignty: Republic Day is a powerful reminder of India’s commitment to democracy and sovereignty. On this day, India celebrates the people’s rule through a democratic system of governance, where citizens hold the power to choose their leaders and make decisions through voting. The Preamble of the Constitution emphasizes this sovereignty and democratic ethos, stating that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
• Unity in Diversity: One of the most striking aspects of Republic Day celebrations is the unity in diversity that it showcases. India is known for its vast and varied cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. Despite these differences, Republic Day unites the country in a shared sense of pride and purpose. The Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, which includes vibrant displays of various cultural traditions, regional dances, and performances from different states, is a symbolic representation of India’s cultural richness.
• Civic Responsibility: Republic Day serves as a reminder of the duties and responsibilities that come with the rights granted by the Constitution. It encourages citizens to reflect on their roles in the democratic system. The Constitution provides citizens with numerous rights, including the right to vote, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion, but it also outlines responsibilities, such as respecting the rule of law, upholding the integrity of the nation, and participating in the democratic process.

Facts about Republic Day

• National Flag Made of Khadi: According to the Flag Code of India, the national flag hoisted during Republic Day must be made of khadi. Khadi is a handspun fabric that symbolizes the spirit of India’s freedom struggle and is closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s movement for independence.
• Flag Hoisting Ceremony: On 26th January, the national flag is folded or turned before being placed on top of the pole. After that, the President of India unveils or hoists the flag.
• Singing of the National Anthem: The celebrations begin with the singing of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, which unites millions of Indians across the nation in a collective display of patriotism and national pride.
• First Republic Day Celebration: The inaugural Republic Day celebration took place at Irwin Stadium (now known as Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium) in New Delhi.
• Gun Salute and National Anthem: A gun salute is fired in synchronization with the National Anthem. The first gunshot is fired at the start of the anthem, and the next is fired 52 seconds later.
• Awards and Honours: Republic Day is also an occasion for the President to award various honours and awards such as the Padma Awards and the Bharat Ratna.

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