Wishesh magazine february 2018 Wishesh magazine february 2018 | Seite 139

The chief architect of the
Constitution of India, Dr Bhim
Rao Ambedkar, headed
the drafting committee
that prepared the ‘draft
constitution’ in November
1947. It took more than
the next two years for the
constitution to finally see the
light of day.
The Constituent Assembly
adopted the Constitution
on January 26, 1950, a
date specially chosen to
coincide with the anniversary
of ‘Purna Swaraj Diwas’.
January 26, 1930 was
marked as ‘Purna Swaraj
Diwas’, or the day the nation
would attain complete
freedom from its colonisers
by the Congress. The
members of the drafting
committee felt that the birth
of the constitution should
be observed on a day that
held some significance in
their fight for independence.
When India was ultimately
granted freedom by the
British in 1947, but on August
15 and not January 26, the
date was instead assigned to
celebrating India’s Republic
Day. This was the day the
Indian Independence Act
was consequently repealed
and India was established
as a democratic republic,
no longer a dominion of the
British Crown.
Republic day is an important
landmark in Indian history.
On January 26th each
year, Indians celebrate the
Constitution of India coming
into force in 1950.
On this day, our Indian
constitution became a reality
and thus, the date “26th
January” got etched in history
for eternity.
Needless to say, every year
Republic day is celebrated
with great pomp, enthusiasm
and glory. Important
governmental laws and acts
were laid down on this day
and hence it also marks as a
day of pride for every Indian,
old and young alike.
From school children to senior
citizens everyone unfurls the
National tricolour on this day,
to pay their humble respect to
their motherland.
How is Republic Day
celebrated in India?
Much like the Independence
Day celebrations in
India, Republic Day too
is celebrated with grand
parades in New Delhi and the
different state capitals. The
Indian Army, Navy, Air Force,
artistes and performers from
across the country participate
in the parades to showcase
the diversity of cultures.
The President and state
Governors receive the military
salutes during the parades
with the ‘fly past’ by the Indian
Air Force officially concluding
the parade in the national
capital.
Facts about Republic
Day
Scrolling down you would
discover some interesting
facts about this Day!
l The Grand Parade: On
Republic Day, a grand
parade is organized at
Rajpath in New Delhi. This
parade mainly represents
the diverse cultural heritage
of our country and also the
competency of Indian military.
The grand parade is also a
way of paying tribute to our
freedom fighters. One of the
main highlights of this parade
is the giving away of awards
like Paramvir Chakra, Ashok
Chakra and Vir Chakra to
the winners. Children who
are the winners of Bravery
Awards also ride on colourful
decorated elephants during
this parade on Republic Day.
FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.WISHESH.NET