26 January 1950– The historic date when India celebrated its first Republic Day. It has been 67 years since India was declared an independent, democratic republic and many things have changed since then. However, there are a few facts pertaining to Indian history that remain unchanged even in today’s scenario. As Republic Day approaches near, here are 10 facts related to Indian history that every proud Indian must know about.
10 Facts about Indian Republic Day that you must Know about
- The elaborate Indian constitution drafted by late Bhim Rao Ambedkar came into effect at 10:18 am on 26 January 1950. With the launching of the Indian constitution, India became a republic nation. For those who don’t know, the constitution was authored by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. The original hand-written copy of this constitution is kept in the Indian parliament, even today.
India has the largest, most comprehensive constitution of the world. - The Indian constitution is one of the most comprehensive, detailed constitutions of the world. It has 448 articles, 22 divisions, 12 schedules and 97 amendments. This is the only constitution that can’t be read in a single day.
The signing of Indian Constitution on 24 January 1950. - It took 2 years, 11 months and 18 days for Ambedkar to draft the Indian constitution that was written in both Hindi and English languages. About 2 days before the first Republic day that is, on 24th January 1950, around 308 members of Indian Parliament assembly including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru signed the constitution.
Several amendments were made to Indian constitution and its preamble. - Ever since the constitution was drafted, about 94 amendments were made to it. The final copy of constitution fits the current political, legal and legislative scenario of our country.
The phrase Satyamev Jayate means Truth alone Triumphs. - The motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ was adopted from Mundaka Upanishads (Athar Ved). It was translated into the Hindi language by Aabid Ali in 1911. The motto was selected by BHU founder late Madan Mohan Malviya.
Rabindranath Tagore: The man who composed Jan Gan Man, our National Anthem. - Our national anthem Jan Gan Man was composed by Bengali writer and poet Rabindranath Tagore. The song was adapted from his Bengali poem Bharat Bhagya Bidhata. The anthem was officially adopted on 24 January 1950.
It’s customary to play the National anthem before the starting of sports ceremonies, national functions and government celebrations. - Our national anthem was first sung by the members of Kolkata state assembly on 27 December 1911. However, it was not officially designated as the anthem then.
Republic Day festivities at Raj Path. - The Indian Republic Day parade is the largest unified march and street celebration observed in our country. It starts with the PM of India offering his tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and begins with the Beating Retreat ceremony held on 29th January every year.
The president of India addresses the Republic day congregation every year. - On Republic Day, the President of India unfurls the National Tricolour in front of the Presidential quarters (Rashtrapati Bhawan). In case you don’t know, it’s customary to make the national flag in Khadi material. Also, the constitution suggests 9 dimensions in which, the flag can be made. Disrespecting the flag is a punishable, national offence.
File Photograph of the first Republic Day celebration. - It’s customary to invite a foreign guest of honour to attend the Republic Day parade. Indonesia’s president Sukarno was the first chief guest to attend India’s first republic day celebration.
