26/01/2024
Republic Day is a national holiday in India commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950.The constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation from a dominion into a republic post its independence from the British Raj in 1947. The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. The date was chosen as the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence) on this day in 1930.
Republic day is commonly associated with parades, political speeches, cultural events and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of India.India achieved independence from the British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the success of the Indian independence movement which was led by Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. This was enacted through the Indian Independence Act 1947, an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent dominions of the British Commonwealth. India became a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general. Without a standalone constitution, its laws were based on the existent Government of India Act 1935 and governed by the Constituent Assembly of India.
On 29 August 1947, a seven member drafting committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with B R Ambedkar as chairman. A draft constitution prepared by the committee was submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1948. After the draft was discussed and debated, the constituent assembly adopted the constitution on 26 November 1949. The major part of the constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950 with Rajendra Prasad becoming the first President of India and the constituent assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new constitution. The date was chosen as the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj (complete independence) on this day in 1930.On the eve of the Republic Day, the President addresses the nation. On the republic day, the President of India unfurls the national flag in the national capital New Delhi with the Governors and Lieutenant Governors unfurling the flag at the respective states and union territories.The main Republic day celebrations are held in New Delhi, at the Kartavya Path, a ceremonial boulevard that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through India Gate. The event is hosted by the President of India with ceremonious parades and cultural events. The Delhi Republic Day parade held during the same is organized by the Ministry of Defence. The President who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute from various units of the army, navy, air force, para-military and police forces.Awards
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On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes various civilian Padma Awards. These were instituted in the year 1954 and are awarded in three categories in decreasing order of precedence.
Padma Vibhushan is awarded for "exceptional and distinguished service" and is the second highest civilian honor
Padma Bhushan is awarded for "distinguished service of a high order and is the third highest civilian honor
Padma Shri is awarded for "distinguished service" and is the fourth highest civilian honor
The decoration comprises a certificate and a medallion and unlike national honors, the awards do not include cash allowances, benefits, or special concessions. A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.
