January 26 – Republic Day

Subject: History

Concept :

Republic Day (74rd) is celebrated every year on 26th January to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on this day in 1950.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and citizens are expected to abide by it.
26 January was chosen as the date for this occasion because this was the day in 1930 when the Indian National Congress had demanded Complete Independence or Purna Swaraj, as opposed to the Dominion Status.
On this day, every year, the grand Republic Day Parade is held at the national capital New Delhi at the Rajpath. The parade showcases India’s military might, defence forces and cultural heritage. The salute is taken by the President of the country, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
The parade starts from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s (formerly the Viceroy’s) official residence.

Background:

India became an independent nation on 15th August, 1947 — a date thrust upon by Lord Louis Mountbatten, as it marked the second anniversary of Japan’s submission to allied powers after World War II.
After India became independent, it did not have its own constitution. The laws were based on a common law system and a modified version of the “Government of India Act, 1935”, which was brought in by the British government.
Approximately two weeks later, a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft the Indian Constitution with Dr BR Ambedkar as the chairman. The Indian Constitution was finally ready and adopted on 26th November, 1949 (Constitution Day).
The Constitution came into effect after two months, on 26th January, 1950.
The Indian National Congress, on 19th December, 1929, passed a historic resolution of “Purna Swaraj” or complete self-rule at its Lahore session.
It was declared by the Congress party that 26th January, 1930, will be celebrated as “Independence Day” by the Indians.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the President of Congress party, hoisted the tricolor on the banks of the Ravi river in Lahore. This day was celebrated as Poorna Swaraj day for the next 17 years.
Thus, when the Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November, 1949, many considered it necessary to celebrate and enforce the document on a day associated with national pride, which was – 26th January.