power to the People

January 26 marks 76 years of india being declared a republic. Why is this day so important?

On January 26, 1950, all roads in delhi led to Irwin Amphitheatre, now known as the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadiam.The air was filled with an electrifying energy.What was so special about that day? It was the day india declared itself to be a sovereign, democratic Republic. On this day, the Constitution replaced the Goverment of india act 1935 as the country's governing document. Dr. Rajandra Prasad took oath as independent India's first Presedent. ''Today, for the first time in our long and chequered history, we find the whole of this vast land from Kashmir in the north to Cape Comorin in the South, from Kathiawad and Kutch in the west to Coconada and Kamrup in the east, brought together under the jurisdiction of one Constitution and one Union, which takes over the responsibility for the welfare of more than 320 millionmen and women that inhabit it....'' It was also on this day that the Indian Constitution came into effect. Though the Constitution had been adopted on November 26, 1949, it came into effect only on January 26, 1950. this day would, henceforth, be celebrated as Republic Day. January 29 had a connection  with the country's freedom struggle: in 1930, on this day,  the Indian National congresshad called for Purna Swaraj or compelete independence. With B.R. Ambedkar as the chief architect, the Constitution was draft by the 389-member Constituent Assembly, which took almost three years to compelete the task. The first parade was led by Brigadier Moti Sager of the Gorkha Regiment and over 100 airplanes include Dakotas, Hawker Tempest, spitfiresand jet planes participated. The Republic Day parade was held at Irwin stadium until 1954. From 1955 it shifted to Rajpath, which is now known as Kartavya Path. The President unfurls the National Flag, as the National Anthem is played. The Indian Army Regiment of Artillery offers a 21-gun salute. The President also conferts various awards on distinguished people. An integral part of the celebrations are the various floats and exhibits that display the diversityof Indian states. Fun Fact: Indonesian President Sukarno was the chief guest at the first Republic Day. On our 76th Republic Day this year, the current Indonesian President Probowo Subianto is the chief Guest