Why do we celebrate Republic Day?
Republic days are celebrated globally to mark a nation’s transition to a republic, signifying the adoption of a constitution. Countries like India, the United States, France, Italy, Brazil, and South Africa celebrate Republic Day or similar national events to commemorate their republic’s establishment or key historical milestones. In India, Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th to mark the adoption of the constitution in 1950. This event officially established the country as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
India’s Journey Towards Becoming a Republic
India was under British rule for many years. It had to go through countless struggles for independence. The turning point came in 1947 when India finally achieved independence. After this, the Constituent Assembly was established to write a constitution for the newly freed India. After an examination of various constitutions and overcoming three years of challenges and obstacles, the Constituent Assembly successfully crafted the constitution for India. This constitution was formally adopted on January 26th, symbolising not only the end of British rule but the birth of a sovereign and democratic republic, India.
Why Was 26th January Chosen as India’s Republic Day?
The last session of the Constituent Assembly was held on 26 November 1949. On that day, our Constitution was completely ready and adopted. However, 26 December was not declared as Republic Day. The Constituent Assembly waited until 26 January 1950. On this day, the constitution came into effect following the signatures of the 284 members of the Assembly. The Indian Constitution affirmed India as an independent republic, a day we continue to commemorate as our Republic Day.
But why 26 January?
26 January was chosen as the date because on this day in 1930, the Indian National Congress had resolved for Purna Swaraj. It rejected the Britishers’ offer of Dominion status and asked for Purna Swaraj or complete independence.
India’s constitution replaced the British colonial Government of India Act (1935) and became the country’s law of the land. On 26 January 1950, the Preamble to the Constitution of India, presenting the key principles of the Constitution, came into effect. This completed the country’s transition to a sovereign republic.
To remember the day our constitution makers completed our constitution, we celebrate 26th November as Constitution Day.
10 Lines on Why Do We Celebrate Republic Day?
- Republic days are celebrated to mark the transition of a country to a republic.
- Countries like India, the United States, France, Italy, Brazil, and South Africa celebrate their republic’s establishment or key historical milestones through Republic Day celebrations.
- India celebrates Republic Day on January 26th to mark the adoption of its constitution in 1950.
- India, under British rule for many years, underwent numerous struggles for independence.
- The turning point occurred in 1947 when India gained independence.
- The Constituent Assembly was then established to draft a constitution for the newly- liberated India.
- After examining various constitutions and overcoming three years of challenges, the Constituent Assembly successfully crafted India’s constitution.
- The constitution was formally adopted on 26 January 1950, symbolising the end of British rule and the birth of a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
- India’s Republic Day thus represents a significant milestone in the nation’s history.
- It is a celebration of its hard-fought independence and democratic values.
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