Republic Day 2024: Explore the history, significance, and festivities

Republic Day 2024: It marks the momentous occasion when, in 1950, the Constitution of India replaced the Government of India Act (1935).

OpEd Desk January 25, 2024

Republic Day 2024: Republic Day is celebrated every year on January 26. It marks the momentous occasion when, in 1950, the Constitution of India replaced the Government of India Act (1935). Republic Day is a significant day that honors the transformation of India into a sovereign republic governed by its own laws and principles. It is not just a commemoration of India’s constitutional journey but also a testament to its resilience, diversity, and commitment to democratic ideals. As the tricolor unfurls across the nation, it symbolizes the collective dreams and aspirations of millions beating together for a better, more inclusive future.

India’s Republic Day serves as a reminder of the efforts invested in crafting the Constitution and adopting it. It underscores the importance of the legal and institutional framework for any nation to thrive, perform, and achieve its goals.

Republic Day 2024: History of this day

Republic Day is celebrated on January 26, 1950, to commemorate the enforcement of our Indian Constitution. This transformative step replaced the Government of India Act 1935, under which our nation was previously governed.

While India gained independence on August 15, 1947, it remained without its own constitution until then. The main legal framework was based on the Government of India Act 1935. On August 29, 1947, a proposal was passed to appoint a drafting committee, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to create a constitution for our nation. It took nearly 2 years and 11 months to consolidate the guidelines under our Indian Constitution. Finally, on January 26, 1950, our Indian Constitution came into effect. This date was chosen as it aligned with the declaration of complete sovereignty or ‘Purna Swaraj’ made by the Indian National Congress in 1930.

Republic Day 2024: Significance of this day

Republic Day holds immense pride and honor for Indians worldwide for several reasons. Firstly, it signifies the end of India’s struggle for independence and the establishment of a self-governing nation. Secondly, it sheds light on the democratic values and principles enshrined in our Constitution, acting as a guiding document for the nation. It is a day to honor the visionary individuals who laid the foundation of democratic India.

Republic Day is a day to recognize those forward-thinking individuals who established the roots of democratic India. It emphasizes the importance of democracy, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for the nation’s progress. It’s a day to pay tribute to the principles and ideals that form the bedrock of our Republic.