Dr. Bhupendra Kumar

India celebrates two national festivals: Independence Day on August 15 and Republic Day on January 26. India gained independence on August 15, 1947, and its constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. These dates are marked by grand celebrations across the country, in every village, town, school, and neighborhood. The main events take place in the capital, New Delhi—Independence Day at the Red Fort and Republic Day at Pragati Maidan. The Republic Day parade moves from Pragati Maidan to the Red Fort.

During the Republic Day celebrations, all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces participate in the parade, showcasing their valor. Various states also present tableaux representing their cultural heritage and progress. This allows citizens to witness both India's diversity and its development. The President of India takes the salute at the parade, which begins with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. While the President takes the salute at the national-level parade, state-level parades are overseen by the respective Governors.

On Republic Day, armed forces personnel are honored with medals for their distinguished services, and civilians receive awards for their contributions. Helicopters from the armed forces shower petals from the sky, while children and youth perform patriotic songs and dances. They are selected from various states after rigorous preparation. The event also features impressive motorcycle stunts by the armed forces, and it concludes with the Indian Air Force’s "Fly Past," where fighter jets fly past the grandstand, symbolically saluting the President while leaving trails in the colors of the national flag.

Republic Day is celebrated not only in New Delhi but also in state capitals and local levels. Government offices, educational institutions, and private organizations hoist the tricolor and organize cultural programs with eminent personalities in attendance.

January 26 is a historic day for India, marking the beginning of complete self-governance. Although India gained independence on August 15, 1947, the administration was still governed under the British-era Government of India Act, 1935. It was only on January 26, 1950, that the Indian Constitution came into effect, making it the Day of Complete Sovereignty.

Two significant aspects of Republic Day celebrations include the presence of a foreign head of state as the chief guest each year and the announcement of an annual theme for the event. This year, the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, will be the chief guest. He has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation and will arrive in New Delhi on January 25, 2025. There is also a possibility of bilateral discussions and important agreements being signed during his visit.

The purpose of announcing an annual theme for Republic Day is to create public awareness about nation-building. This year’s theme is "Golden India – Heritage with Development." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his vision to make India the best nation globally, emphasizing progress while preserving heritage. India has historically been esteemed worldwide due to its glorious cultural heritage, which is why Modi has championed the slogan "Development with Heritage."

This vision aligns with the ideals of India's constitutional framers. The Indian Constitution not only includes legal provisions but also features illustrations depicting India’s glorious heritage. There are a total of twenty-two such illustrations, showcasing aspects such as the Vedic Gurukul system, Bhagirath's penance, Lord Rama's victory over Lanka, the Nataraja dance, Lord Hanuman, Lord Krishna delivering the Bhagavad Gita, depictions from Mohenjo-Daro, Buddha and Mahavira, and glimpses of the Maurya and Gupta periods. The constitution also features depictions of Emperor Vikramaditya's court, Nalanda University, Odishan sculpture, Akbar’s court, Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, Tipu Sultan, Rani Lakshmibai, and Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March.

These illustrations are not merely for decoration; they convey significant messages to Indian society and inspire duty and responsibility. They reflect that the framers of the Indian Constitution intended to base the journey of independent India's development on its heritage. With this philosophy in mind, Prime Minister Modi has linked India’s development trajectory with its rich heritage.