Indian Republic Day is an event that commemorates the date, 26 January 1950 on which the “Constitution of India” came to existence by replacing Government of India Act 1935. This day is very significant in Indian history as on this day India became republic from the ‘British Dominion’. Every year this day is celebrated with much enthusiasm throughout India. A massive parade is organized to showcase the growth of Indian from every aspect.

Origin

Though India had got its freedom from the hands of the British in 15th August 1947, but there was no permanent constitution. The laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935 and India was then a Dominion. India was then headed by King George VI, until the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. On 28 August 1947, a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution. This committee was headed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar along with several other members.

A draft constitution was prepared and submitted to the Assembly on 4th November 1947. After many considerations and some modifications the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document on 24th January 1950. Two days later the constitution came into effect throughout the nation that is on 26th January 1950. The Indian Constitution included 395 Articles and 8 Schedules. After the withdrawal of British Rule in 1947 it took India 894 days to come up with its own constitution.

For the first time election were held and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of free India. He took the oath at the Durban Hall in the Government House, which was followed by the Presidential drive to the Irwin Stadium. He unrolled the National Flag at the stadium. This transition of India into a sovereign democratic republic nation is indeed a historical event.

Today, the Indian Constitution is the longest in the world. The national holiday is celebrated with festivities and patriotic fervor across the whole nation.