The festive season has begun, and Republic Day is the next significant day in India's calendar. It commemorates the country's adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, which was drafted by the 'Drafting Committee' led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. India will celebrate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, commemorating the historic day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.
The historical significance of Republic Day
The Indian Independence Act 1947- an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament that divided (partitioned) British India into two new independent 'Dominions of the British Commonwealth' (later the Commonwealth of Nations), gave India independence. However, the country did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935. However, the country did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935.
Photo Credit: Wikkipedia
On August 29, 1947, a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution. Dr B R Ambedkar was appointed as the chairman of the committee. On November 4, 1947, the committee submitted a draft constitution to the Constituent Assembly. The Assembly met for 166 days in public sessions for two years, 11 months, and 17 days before adopting the Constitution. On January 24, 1950, after much deliberation and some changes, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one in Hindi and one in English). Two days later, on January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into effect throughout the nation. The day is celebrated as Republic Day, which signifies the coming into force of the Constitution. On the same day, Dr Rajendra Prasad began his first term as the President of the Indian Union. The Constituent Assembly was transformed into the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.
The theme for Republic Day 2024
The 75th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2024, with the themes 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka', will focus on women. At a press conference in New Delhi on January 19, 2024, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane stated that women marching contingents will make up the majority of the parade, with most tableaux of States and Union Territories (UTs) and Central Ministries showcasing the country's rich cultural diversity, unity, and progress. The selected themes align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views that ‘India is truly a mother of democracy’.
The 75th Republic Day Parade
For the first time, this republic parade will feature 100 women artists performing traditional Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada.In addition, an all-women Tri-Service contingent will march down Kartavya Path for the first time, while the CAPF contingents will also include women personnel. The Defence Secretary has expressed that this year's Republic Day parade will showcase the best representation of women. The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. and run for approximately 90 minutes. Kartavya Path has a seating capacity of 77,000 visitors, with 42,000 reserved for general public use.
Photo Credit:X
Republic Day 2024: Chief Guest
Shri Giridhar Aramane stated that French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at this year's Republic Day Parade. The parade will also feature a 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France. Along with the Indian Air Force aircraft, one Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale aircraft from the French Air Force will take part in the Fly-past.
Photo Credit:X /Emmanuel Macron
Special Guests
This year's parade will also include approximately 13,000 Special Guests. The Defence Secretary stated that the key objective is to provide an opportunity for people from all walks of life to participate in the national festival, aligning with the Government's vision for Jan Bhagidari. He quoted the Prime Minister as saying, "These guests are the pride of the country."
According to the press release, these Special Guests include the best performers in various fields and those who made best use of various schemes of the Government such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural & Urban), PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Street Vendor's Aatmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, Stand-Up India scheme, Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme and Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, women workers of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Electronic Manufacturing sectors & Central Vista Project, women Space Scientists of ISRO, Yoga Teachers (Ayushman Bharat), winners of international sports events and Paralympic medalists will also attend the parade, in addition to Best Self-Help Groups, Farmers Producer Organisations, references of PM Mann ki Baat programme, and ‘Super-100’ of Project Veer Gatha 3.0 & winners of National School Band Competition. These special guests will be prominently seated at Kartavya Path.
Anant Sutra
The Ministry of Culture is set to exhibit a textile installation called 'Anant Sutra - The Endless Thread' at Kartavya Path. The installation will be placed behind the spectators seated in the enclosures. 'Anant Sutra' is a breathtaking tribute to the saree, which is India's timeless gift to the world of fashion. Interestingly, this special installation will also showcase around 1,900 sarees and drapes from every state of the country, mounted at a height using wooden frames. It will also feature QR codes that can be scanned to learn more about the weaving and embroidery arts used in it.
Photo Credit: X
Ⓒ Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
