The Republic Day of India is celebrated every year on January 26 to mark the day when the Constitution of India came into effect. This year on Tuesday, 26 January 2021, India will celebrate its 72nd Republic Day. The Constitution of India, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, came into effect on January 26, 1950. This completed India’s transition towards becoming an independent republic with a democratic government system. January 26 was also chosen as the day to mark Republic Day because it had been on this day that the Indian National Congress (INC) proclaimed the Declaration of Indian Independence in 1929. This was contrary to the ‘dominion’ status offered by the British. The first Republic Day parade was held on 1950 & has been practised since then. The parade marches from the Rashtrapati Bhavan along the Rajpath in New Delhi. Several sections of the army, navy, and air force, along with their bands, march to the India Gate. The parade is presided over by the President of India, who as we know, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. As he unfurls the tricoloured Indian flag, the national anthem is played. The regiments of the Armed Forces then start their march past. People from different parts of the country also come and displays their culture through songs & dances. Republic Day is usually a national holiday in India. However, schools celebrate this day with patriotism along with students and teachers by organising programmes and performances to mark the importance of the day. This year, 2021, our honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi has invited the Prime Minister of UK, Mr. Boris Johnson to be the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations. While there is no confirmation from the government whether Republic Day celebrations will be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the preparations seem to be in full swing by the look of it. The Republic Day of India is indeed a day to rejoice & to celebrate. But apart from all this, it’s a day to remember everyone present in the Constituent Assembly who have worked hard to form the longest constitution for a sovereign nation & the second longest active constitution in the world second to Alabama’s English version of their constitution. And with this I would like to wish all my fellow Indians, both, residing in the nation & abroad a ‘Happy Republic Day'.

Thank you!