India will celebrate the 75th Republic Day on January 26 (Friday). The day marks the defining moment when the nation formally adopted its Constitution in 1950.

This year the theme of the Republic Day Parade on the Path of Duty will be ‘Developed India’ and ‘India – Matriarch of Democracy’. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

The 75th Republic Day celebrations on the royal line of duty will be largely “women-centric”, with the central theme being India’s resolve to become a democracy and a developed nation. Defense Secretary Giridhar Armaane on Friday said that for the first time, the parade will be started by 100 women artistes accompanied by Indian musical instruments.

Importance of Republic Day

The significance of Republic Day lies in the historical journey that transformed India from a British colony to a sovereign and democratic republic. 26th January is a historic milestone in India’s journey as a sovereign nation.

On 26 January 1950, India officially became a republic with the adoption of its Constitution. This occasion holds paramount importance as it reinforces India’s commitment to democratic principles and ideals.

On this day in 1950, India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad hoisted the national flag, marking the birth of the Indian Republic. Since then, January 26 is celebrated as a national holiday, respecting the principles of democracy and self-governance.

Why was January 26 chosen?

The history of this date dates back to before independence when freedom fighters were struggling for independence. During the Indian National Congress session held in Lahore in 1929, the party took the pledge of Purna Swaraj or complete independence. Congress declared January 26, 1930 to be celebrated as Complete Independence or Complete Swaraj Day.

Thus, on January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence. This proclamation marked a significant moment in India’s quest for self-determination and set the stage for a future that would be shaped by the principles of democracy and sovereignty.

Republic Day: History

The Constituent Assembly was the body that drafted the Constitution of India. Its first session took place on December 9, 1946, attended by 207 members, including nine women. Initially, the assembly had 389 members, however after independence and the partition of the country on August 15, 1947, the member strength reduced to 299.

The drafting committee led by Dr. BR Ambedkar was one of the more than 17 committees of the Constituent Assembly. The task of the Drafting Committee was to prepare a draft Constitution for India. The committee got rid of approximately 2,400 amendments out of approximately 7,600 amendments introduced while debating and deliberating on the Constitution.

The last session of the Constituent Assembly ended on 26 November 1949 and the Constitution was then adopted. However, due to the significance of that day, it came into force two months later on 26 January 1950, after being signed by 284 members.

When and where to watch?

The Republic Day Parade can be seen from the stand on the duty road in New Delhi. Tickets can be purchased online on the official website of the Ministry of Defense till 25 January 2024. The total seating capacity for the event will be 77,000, out of which 42,000 seats will be reserved for the general public.

The parade will start at 10:30 am and will last for approximately 90 minutes. Those who are interested can watch it live from the comfort of their homes on government channels like Doordarshan and Sansad TV. Other regional and national news channels will also telecast the parade live.

Those who wish to stream the parade online can do so through several YouTube channels. Primary among these are the channels of the President of India and the Ministry of Defence.