New Delhi: India will celebrate its 76th anniversary as a Republic this year. On this day in 1950, India enforced its Constitution and became a Republic state. The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, but came into force on January 26, 1950.
Since 1950, the Republic Day Parade has been held every year on this day. Every year, we see India’s military prowess and the country’s cultural diversity in one place: Kartvya Path, New Delhi. On this day, the President of India leads the celebration.
But do you know how and where the first Republic Day Parade was held? Let us look at how the first Republic Day was celebrated.
India’s Transition to a Republic: 1950’s Constitutional Milestone
India became independent in 1947. However, it took two more years to cut ties with the British Empire completely. India was still a British dominion, governed by the Government of India Act of 1935, and officially loyal to the British Crown. This changed on January 26, 1950, when India’s new Constitution took effect, and the country became a sovereign republic.
The country’s leaders decided to hold a military parade to celebrate this milestone and foster national pride. During the parade, Dr Rajendra Prasad would take his oath as India’s first President. After taking the oath, Dr Prasad addressed the crowd in Hindi and English.
The First Republic Day Parade: Location, Events and Attendees
- India’s First Republic Day was a significant occasion. Many important events took place, marking the start of India’s new chapter as a constitutional democracy.
- At 10:18 am, India was declared a sovereign democratic republic at Durbar Hall in Government House, now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, the president’s official residence.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India at 10.24 am, followed by a 21-gun salute.
- The grand procession began at 2:30 pm, with the President riding in a horse-drawn coach and being greeted by cheering crowds in New Delhi.
- At 3.45 pm, a ceremonial parade featuring military bands and armed forces took place at Irwin Amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium). Dr Prasad unfurled the national flag, and Indonesian President Sukarno, the chief guest, joined the celebrations.
- Despite the grandeur, the celebrations focused on simplicity and austerity, reflecting the spirit of the post-independence era. Only 15,000 people attended the first Republic Day celebrations at Irwin Amphitheatre.
- More than 3,000 Indian Armed Forces members marched in front of the President, and the Indian Air Force’s Liberator planes flew overhead to conclude the event.
- Later, the President’s horse-drawn carriage returned him to the Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan).
India’s 76th Republic Day commemorates the 1950 enforcement of its Constitution. This article details the first Republic Day celebrations, held at Irwin Amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium) in New Delhi. It highlights Dr Rajendra Prasad’s swearing-in as the first President, the military parade, and the first Chief Guest. Despite the momentous occasion, the celebrations were marked by simplicity and austerity. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
