This is the 68th Republic Day of India since our constitution was adopted on 26th January 1950. It commemorates the tireless efforts by the constitution drafting committee lead by the “Father of Indian constitution”, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar. It took 2 years, 11 months and 17 days to prepare the Constitution and finally on 26 November 1949 it was submitted to the assembly and on 26 January 1950, it came into force. Since then we celebrate the day every year as Republic Day.
The date 26 January was chosen to announce India as a republic because it marked the anniversary of “Purna Swaraj Diwas” (26 January 1930), the day when the Indian National Congress made the bold declaration for complete independence, and our struggle for freedom gained a new momentum.
Originally, the Constitution of India was handwritten by Prem Narain Raizada in italic style calligraphy. Each page was decorated and beautified by artists from Shanti-Niketan. It was signed by 283 members of the constituent assembly. The original Constitution is kept in the Library of Parliament House. The Constitution of India is the longest constitution in the world consisting of 25 parts containing 448 articles and 12 schedules.
‘Republic’ means a ‘sovereign’ state, country or government and it is the only word which differentiates India from other countries being the world’s biggest sovereign nation serving the civilians with a Government of the people, by the people and for the people. In a republic nation, no specific person rules upon us as we choose our leaders through direct voting. In other words, a Republic nation allows us to move freely, eat freely and do whatever we want without any hindrance. So, understand how important a republic is for us.
Jai Hind!
