Republic Day 2024: History, Important Facts and Celebration of Unity with Diversity

Table of Content

1. Republic Day Why We Celebrate & Its History
2. Republic Day: Why We Celebrate?
3. About Republic Day Celebrations
4. Interesting Facts About Republic Day
5. Know About Women Freedom Fighters of India
6. Quotes for Republic Day 2024

Republic Day holds immense significance throughout India and this blog will also tell you why Republic Day is celebrated by all Indians with great pride.

In India, 26 January is celebrated as Republic Day because it marks the date on which the Constitution of India entered into force in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act of 1935. Since then, India has been a Republic "for the people, by the people." The Preamble of the Indian Constitution guarantees the people's rights and responsibilities. 

Republic Day Why We Celebrate & Its History

The history of Republic Day: On August 15, 1947, we celebrate India’s achievement of freedom from British domination as part of the Indian Independence Movement. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 established India's independence. British India was divided into two independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth by an Act of the British Parliament, which later evolved into the Federation of Nations.

Despite not having a permanent constitution, India's laws were based on the Government of India Act 1935, a modified colonial act. On August 29, 1947, a resolution was approved designating Dr. B R Ambedkar as the chairperson of a committee tasked with creating a permanent constitution.

On November 4, 1947, a final draft of the constitution was finished and sent to the Constituent Assembly. On January 24, 1950, two versions in Hindi and English were signed by a gathering of 308 members after numerous revisions and deliberations, and it became operative throughout the country.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was chosen as the Indian Union's president on January 26, 1950. Under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution, the Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India, and January 26 was observed as Republic Day India.

Republic Day: Why We Celebrate?

In India, 26 January was chosen to honor the Indian National Congress's 1930 declaration of independence, the Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule). It was regarded as the first concrete step towards freedom from Britain.

Republic Day is why we celebrate because it lies in its significance in establishing India's preamble, which describes it as a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic" that "secures all its citizen's justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity."

We celebrate the formation of India's Constitution on January 26, 1950.  Following the country's independence from the British administration on August 15, 1947, a drafting committee was formed to create an independent constitution under the direction of Dr. BR Ambedkar. The day commemorates the power of independent and individual India, as well as the right of Indian individuals to democratically elect their government

This day commemorates Indian citizens' right to elect a democratically managed government. For the people of India, Constitution Day is a national holiday to remember. Republic Day serves as a reminder of India's devotion to democratic principles, unity in diversity, and people's aspiration for an equitable society

About Republic Day Celebrations

• Flag Hoisting Ceremony: We celebrate Republic Day in India, by unfurling of the national flag, the singing of the national anthem, and a 21-gun salute will take place. Following that, the Prime Minister of India lays a wreath on Amal Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in memory of all members of the armed forces who have lost their lives for the country.
  
  
• Parade: An Impressive Republic Day parades by the armed services and students are staged around the country on the Day, starting from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official residence of the President of India), winding its way along Kartavya Path, passing through India Gate, and culminating at the historic Red Fort. It depicts a multicolored picture of the country's rich cultural legacy and military power. The parade greets the winners of gallantry awards and the President in open military jeeps, followed by a display of numerous tanks, missiles, and other military equipment.
  
  
• Awards and Recognitions. On Republic Day in India, various awards and recognitions are conferred as a part of the celebration. The Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri are prestigious civilian awards presented in multiple fields, such as art, literature, public service, science, and sports. Then we have Param Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra presented for acts of bravery and courage. At last, the children who have won the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar ride vibrantly ornamented elephants past the audience. The Indian Council for Child Welfare honors and awards these youngsters for remarkable acts of bravery and great sacrifices.
  
  

Interesting Facts About Republic Day

• Indian Constitution is written by Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar). He is known as the father of the Indian Constitution.
• The Constitution of India took around 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to be completed.
• On January 26, 1950, India became a Republic at 10:18 am, when the Constitution of India came into effect.
• The Constitution of India is the longest written Constitution all over the world (which cannot be read in a single day); it has incorporated “448 Articles in 22 Parts, 12 Schedules and 97 Amendments”.
• President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first chief guest at the first Republic Day Celebration of India on the 26th of January, 1950.
  
  

Some More Interesting Facts About Republic Day 2024

• This year, India will be celebrating its 75th Republic Day on Friday, January 26, 2024.
• This year the theme of 2024 Republic Day theme is ''India - Mother of Democracy'' and ''Viksit Bharat'' (Developed India)
• The main fact about Republic Day this year & concept of the theme is to celebrate the spirit and identity of a nation, and to capture the essence of the nation’s values, achievements, and goals. The idea for the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047 focuses on technological advancements, scientific achievements, and innovations that contribute to progress. It showcases a commitment to stay at the forefront of global development.
• About Republic Day 2024: The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has been invited to India's Republic Day celebration for 2024.
• We will celebrate this year's Republic Day parade watching all-women contingents from the defense forces marching. "One contingent, consisting of 144 personnel, will comprise all women soldiers, with 60 from the Army and the remaining from the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy," said defense ministry officials.

Know About Women Freedom Fighters of India

On the occasion of the Republic Day celebration, we remember the remarkable courage and dedication that paved the way for women’s roles in the fight for India’s Independence.

Throughout history, women in India have consistently served as sources of inspiration, whether in contemporary times or during the era of the Indian independence movement.

India’s women freedom fighters in the nation’s struggle for independence broke the norms of society to play vital roles. Their achievements, especially surpass gender stereotypes and inspire generations, from Sarojini Naidu's poetic inspiration to Rani Laxmibai's valor on the battlefield.

Quotes for Republic Day 2024

• “If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.” - Chandra Shekhar Azad
• “You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”-Mahatma Gandhi
• “We must pay for our liberty with our blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our strength.”-Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose 

• True democracy or the swaraj of the masses can never come through untruthful and violent means.”-Lal Bahadur Shastri

• “I am willing to serve my country, but my worship I reserve for Right which is far greater than my country. To worship my country as a god is to bring a curse upon it.”-Rabindranath Tagore

Wrapping Up

In this vast country of ours, people profess different religions, speak different languages, dress differently, and observe different customs; but we are one nation; the history of our struggle for independence and our faith in our future development are our common bonds.

We Hope you liked our blog and got satisfactory knowledge of Republic Day why we celebrate it, facts about Republic Day, and more. Let’s celebrate this victory together.

We will be back with the next blog soon. Till then, stay tuned!

Happy 75^th Republic Day!

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