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News Topical, Digital Desk : Today, the country is celebrating its 77th Republic Day. 77 years ago, on this day, the Constitution of India came into effect. As always, on this special occasion of Republic Day, the military will showcase its valor on the Line of Duty (formerly Rajpath). The valor of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in Delhi will resonate throughout the country.
From the President hoisting the tricolour to colourful tableaux, military parades and the presence of the chief guest, things like this are not new on Republic Day, but do you know how the country's first Republic Day was celebrated?
Why was the date of 26 January chosen?
The story of the first Republic Day begins with the date. Have you ever wondered why January 26th was chosen for Republic Day?Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha's book, "India After Gandhi," delves into this day in great detail. Guha writes that this date wasn't new—on January 26, 1930, the Congress had demanded Purna Swaraj. When the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, it was deliberately implemented exactly two months later, on January 26, 1950.
How was the first republic celebrated?
On the morning of January 26, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as India's first President at Rashtrapati Bhavan (then Government House). According to Guha, the moment was deeply emotional, as the country was still recovering from the devastation of Partition. The country was grappling with the influx of millions of refugees, riots, and poverty. Meanwhile, the President hoisted the national flag, and a 31-gun salute was fired. In the evening, Delhi was illuminated, transforming the city into a fairyland.
First Republic Day parade
Today we see grand parades on Kartavya Path (old Rajpath), but the first parade took place at the Irwin Amphitheatre (now the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium). Guha writes that more than 3,000 soldiers marched. For the first time, the country witnessed the valor of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force together. The parade included soldiers from all three services, the police, and paramilitary forces.
According to Guha, approximately 15,000 people gathered at the stadium to witness the grand parade. Vintage Liberator planes of the Indian Air Force, used in the freedom struggle, soared through the sky. The President received the salute with a 31-gun salute. The parade, while not as elaborate as the one on Rajpath, was simple yet heartwarming at the stadium.
Why was this day special?
In his book, Guha explains that after 1947, the country was experiencing instability. The country was grappling with the threat of war with Pakistan, economic challenges, and linguistic disputes. However, the grand celebrations of January 26, 1950, demonstrated that India could be united.
President Rajendra Prasad declared that this day marked not just a legal change but the triumph of the dreams of millions of Indians. Indonesian President Sukarno was invited as guest of honor on the country's first Republic Day.
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