January 26 Explained: Why India Became a Republic - Not Just Independent

New

Delhi: India’s Republic Day on January 26 marks the date in history when its own constitution came into force in 1950. The development marked the complete transition of power from British colonial rule to the Indian leadership.While India got its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, the country during the three-year timeline — from 1947 to 1950 — was still governed by the “Government of India Act 1935”, that was part of the British legislation, because India didn’t have its own constitution.Therefore, in 1947, India was just an independent country, freed from the clutches of British rule but not a sovereign republic.

What Does a ‘Republic Country’ Mean?

A republic is any country that has an elected government and an elected head of state, be it a President or Prime Minister. The government is formed after citizens of the country elect their public representatives through national elections who unanimously elect the head of the state.

What Status Does January 26 Give to India?

January 26 is the day when our nation became the Republic of India, meaning it marks the adoption of its own constitution — the rulebook to run a country. Dr. BR Ambedkar drafted the Indian constitution. He was the head of the drafting committee, that was constituted on August 19, 1947. Dr. Ambedkar is also known as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”, commended for this pivotal role in shaping the document. India’s constituent assembly consisted of 299 members, who spent 114 days debating the drafted constitution during which Dr Ambedkar piloted the final document, defending it through intense debates in the Assembly. The constitution though was adopted on November 26, 1949 — it came into effect on January 26, 1950, fully completing the transition of power from the Britishers to Indian leaders. And it was from January 26, 1950 onwards, when India was known as the Republic of India, a fully independent sovereign nation, with its own constitution, rules, regulations, and fundamental rights for its citizens.

What Does Being a 'Republic' Mean for India?

Total Sovereign NationThe Republic Day marks the occasion when India severed its legal ties from the British leadership. It abolished the role of the British-appointed Governor-General and was replaced by the elected President of India, ensuring that India’s highest office was held by an Indian citizen, elected by the people’s representatives. Constitution of India as Supreme Law of Land

The Republic Day confirms or brings into force that the Constitution is the supreme rule of the land and is a guarantee for people’s fundamental rights, social justice, and equality for all citizens.It marks the shift from the hereditary power or colonial decrees to elected representatives and an elected government. Purna SwarajThe Republic Day also confirms the Purna Swaraj, meaning complete independence from British rule, with its own constitution.January 26 is also a date that was chosen to honour the 1930 Declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete independence), by the Indian freedom fighters who saw a dream and struggled for decades to make it a reality.

Key Difference Between August 15 and January 26 Explained in This Graphic

How India Celebrates January 26

Every year on January 26, thousands of troops of the Indian Army, police, and other security forces march before a cheering crowd in the national capital, New Delhi.The Republic Day parade moves down from Kartavya Path, previously known as Rajpath or King’s Avenue, with troops marching from different regiments of the army, security forces, and police before a large audience.

Colorful tableaux prepared by different states representing the country, states, and peoples’ achievements throughout the years, are also part of the parade, that is witnessed by President of India, Prime Minister, Cabinet Minster, key government officials, from various departments, tri-service chiefs, dignitaries, foreign guests.Besides these, unique and challenging aerobatics formations by the Indian Force, stunts by security forces troops displaying India's power might are also part of the parade.India also invites head of a foreign government as the chief guest to attend its Republic Day celebrations, who is seated along with the President, Prime Minister of the country, and experience India though the glance of the Republic Day Parade.The Republic Day show is a moving event that gives a marching glimpse of what India means, about its culture, tradition, people, leaders, and commitment to society and the world.