The word ‘Republic’ is derived from the Latin word ‘res publica’ which means a public affair. A state in which the main power is held by its people and their elected representatives, without a king, is known as a republic.
26 January,
1950 is the day the Constitution of India came into force and India became a
republic. This day marked the end of the Government of India Act 1935 adapted
from the British Parliament.
The
significance of 26 January in India’s history goes back to 1930 two decades
before we celebrated our first Republic Day. Purna Swaraj or Declaration of the
Independence of India was declared on 26 January, 1930. The Indian National
Congress observed this day as the Independence Day of India, in honour of the
people who fought for the nation’s freedom.
After we
achieved freedom from British rule in 1947, 15 August became our official
Independence Day. However, as the laws were still based on the Government of
India Act 1935, a drafting committee was formed with Dr. B R Ambedkar as its
chairman. The committee took about three years to prepare the document
framework for laws, government powers, duties and the fundamental political
code. It also laid out the fundamental rights and duties of the citizens.
Two copies
(English and Hindi) of the handwritten constitution were signed by 308 Assembly
members on 24 January, 1950 and two day later, the Constitution of India, the
longest in the world, came into existence.
The original
handwritten constitution is still preserved in the Parliament.
Dr. Rajendra
Prasad was the first President of the Republic of India and addressed the nation
as is customary for the President of India on the eve of Republic Day.
Every year,
leaders from various nations are invited to the spectacular Republic Day parade
in Delhi. The first parade was held in 1955 in Rajpath and Pakistan’s first
Governor-General Malik Gulam Mohammed was invited as the chief guest.
On this day,
the President recognises the citizens for their service to the nation. Military
personnel are honoured with Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra,
Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra for displaying valour during
wartime.
The
President also awards the police and law enforcement personnel with three
medals for gallantry, distinguished service and meritorious service.
Fire
personnel are awarded Fire Medals for their distinguished service. Children
with exceptional achievements in science, sports, bravery, innovation and
social service are given the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
The
Government of India also recognises civilians, defence and law enforcement personnel
who save citizens from fire accidents, drowning, electrocution and rescue
operations.
