Today, the nation comes together to celebrate India's 76th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path. The event, with a theme of "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas," will showcase India's strength and unity, with 18 marching units, 15 bands, and 31 tableaux on display. PM Modi and President Murmu will lead the celebrations, with Indonesian President Subianto as the chief guest. Additionally, Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi and CM Stalin will witness a special parade in Chennai, while Vice President Dhankhar and Kerala CM Vijayan reaffirm their commitment to the values of justice, equality, secularism, and unity in diversity enshrined in India's Constitution. This year's Republic Day highlights the country's progress and determination towards a better future.
Republic Day: A Symbol of Unity and Progress
Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th, marks the day when India officially adopted its Constitution and became a sovereign democratic republic. This year, India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, reflecting on its remarkable journey and the strength of its diverse population.
Background
The Indian Constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly, which was elected in 1946. The Assembly, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, spent nearly three years drafting the Constitution, drawing inspiration from various sources, including the Government of India Act of 1935 and the Constitutions of other countries.
On January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act and making India a republic. The day is celebrated as Republic Day every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution.
Celebrations
Republic Day celebrations are held throughout India, with the main event taking place in New Delhi. The grand parade at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) is a key highlight, featuring marching units from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces. Cultural tableaux from various states showcase India's rich diversity.
This year's theme, "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas," emphasizes India's golden heritage and its progress towards a better future. The parade will reflect this theme through its displays of strength and unity.
Significance
Republic Day is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters who fought for India's independence. It is also a reminder of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, including justice, equality, and secularism.
By celebrating Republic Day, Indians reaffirm their commitment to these values and to the principles of democracy, unity, and diversity.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who was the first President of India? Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. What is the preamble of the Indian Constitution? "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation"
3. What is the current population of India? Approximately 1.4 billion (2023)
4. What is the official language of India? Hindi
5. Who is the current Prime Minister of India? Narendra Modi
Anumula Revanth Reddy, the Congress legislature party leader, will be taking oath as the second Chief Minister of Telangana amidst great anticipation as senior officials and one lakh people are expected to attend the event. Prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be present at the ceremony. Reddy has extended an open invitation to the public, emphasizing the 'people's government' he aims to establish.
A political controversy has emerged during the Bihar assembly elections after VVPAT slips were found dumped near a college in Samastipur. The Chief Election Commissioner has clarified that the slips were used in mock polls and did not affect the actual voting process. However, the RJD and Congress have raised questions about the conduct of the election and an on-the-spot investigation has been ordered.
In a shocking incident, a large number of VVPAT slips were found scattered on the roadside in Bihar's Samastipur district. The Election Commission swiftly took action and suspended an assistant returning officer for negligence, along with filing a FIR against him. The DM has been asked to inquire into the matter and an investigation has been launched. Though the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised, the incident has raised serious concerns about the security and transparency of elections in India.
A clash broke out between West Bengal Police and Border Security Force (BSF) over the seizure of a smuggled consignment of banned syrup, phensedyl, in Nadia district. Three police personnel were injured and one BSF jawan was detained in the incident. However, senior officers from both sides were able to resolve the misunderstanding and the detained BSF jawan was released. BSF and police assure cooperation in serving national interests.
Leaders of the opposition Congress party in the Indian state of Goa have launched a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), slamming them for their failure to ensure law and order in the wake of multiple murders, including that of activist Umakant Khote. The Congress leaders called for an emergency assembly session to address what they termed a "complete breakdown of policing and governance," citing a string of violent incidents as evidence of a systemic failure. According to the opposition, Goa's reputation as a peaceful tourist destination has been tarnished by a rise in crime and corruption, worsened by economic struggles that have left locals vulnerable to land grabs by private developers.
The Goa government, under CM Pramod Sawant, has granted two district magistrates the power to invoke the National Security Act for a period of three months. The move comes after a spate of incidents involving organised crime in the state and the police's request for preventive arrest powers. This decision is likely to spark controversy as the NSA allows for detention without formal charges or trial for up to 12 months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to campaign in Bihar, warning voters of the potential dangers of an opposition alliance led by the RJD and the Congress. He claims that the people fear a 'katta raj' (the rule of guns) if this alliance wins the upcoming state election. Modi also criticizes the RJD's campaign tactics, stating that they are promoting violence and crime. He urges the people to choose the NDA regime instead, which he says will promote development and progress rather than violence.
Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision campaign by the Election Commission in Goa, schools and colleges are facing severe disruptions in their operations due to the deployment of crucial administrative and support staff for voter verification duties. This move has left educational institutions struggling with a severe manpower shortage, affecting day-to-day academic and administrative operations. Manpower crisis intensified as the Education Department refused to issue approvals for hiring temporary replacements, signaling a potential administrative paralysis in the state's education system.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has announced that the Winter Session of Parliament will be held from December 1 to 19, 2025, after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu. Rijiju expressed hope for a constructive and meaningful session that will serve the aspirations of the people and strengthen democracy. This session will be an important opportunity for the government to address key issues and concerns of the citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched four new Vande Bharat Express trains, including the fastest one on the Banaras-Khajuraho route. The train, operated by the Northern Railway, will cover 443 km in 7.40 hours with seven AC chair cars and one executive AC char car. The route connects important pilgrimage and heritage towns, and will also stop at other religious and cultural destinations.