It is really amazing to see national flag getting unfurled on Republic Day (January 26). No matter how many times you experience it in your lifetime, it never fails to lift your hopes and inspirations. Like every year, this year too, the constitutional head of India, the President will unfurl the national flag at Rajpath in New Delhi. The country will be celebrating the day with great show and pomp as large military parades will be held in New Delhi and the state capitals. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force will take part in the parades.
Apart from armed forces marching contingents and state of art weaponry, the country will also showcase culturally colorful tableau of different states and institutions.
This time, India’s 70th Republic Day parade will have many firsts — an all-women paramilitary contingent, lady officers leading all-male teams, and Army’s newly acquired artillery guns. During these celebrations, it is time to understand the history of Republic Day. Take a look at these facts:
#1. The first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 1950, three years after getting independence in 1947.
#2. Indian Constitution came into effect (officially into a legal circulation) on January 26, 1950, at10:18 am after which India became a Republic country.
#3. Indian constitution is the world’s longest Constitution with 448 Articles in total.
#4. President Sukarno, Indonesia’s first President attended Republic Day celebrations as the first Chief Guest.
#5. Before the Constitution was drafted, India followed British Government’s Government of India Act 1935.
#6. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the father of the constitution because he drafted the constitution.
#7. There are two hand-written copies of the constitution- one in English and the other one in Hindi.
#8. The first every Republic Day Parade happened in 1955 at Rajpath.
#9. A Christian song, Abide With Me, is played at the Republic Day Parade. It is believed to be one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite songs.
#10. Republic Day is a three day long affair with celebrations ending on 29th January with a Beating Retreat Ceremony.
#11. On January 26th, 1965, Hindi was declared the national language of India.
#12. India’s Constitution has the best of the Constitution of other countries. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were adopted from French Constitution while the Five-Year Plan came from the USSR Constitution.
#13. The eve of Republic Day is chosen to announce a majority of National awards like Bharat Ratna, Kirti Chakra, Padma Awards
#14. On the Republic Day, the Indian Air Force came into existence.
#15. Every year 21 gun salutes are given when the President of India hoists the national flag on republic Day to mark the honour.
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