Indian Republic Day
The 26th of January honours the anniversary of the formation of the Republic of India. It marks the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a separate State. It is a day of patriotic parades, nationalistic fervour and a reason to hoist the National Flag. The guest of the parade is the President of India and head of state of another nation.
The establishment of the Republic in 1950 was the first step towards fulfilling the dreams of citizens. The Constitution laid the foundation of the structure of governance and pledged to secure justice, liberty, equality and dignity for everyone. Over the years, the country was inspired by the values of freedom, tolerance and plurality. The inherent strength of our citizens hailing from diverse language, religious and cultural backgrounds contributed immensely towards the growth of the nation. During these years, India has travelled far, overcoming various obstacles and hurdles to rejoice in moments of triumph and glory.
A Celebration of Heroism
On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess. This parade is presided over by the President of India. One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to confer bravery awards on military persons, citizenry and children for showing courage in the face of adversity.
The Prime Minister of India first lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country. After that there is the 21 gun salute, unfurling of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem. Next, awards such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra are presented to gallantry award winners.
The parade begins with winners of gallantry awards saluting the President in open military jeeps. Next, comes a display of various tanks, missiles and other equipment added to the arsenal of the military. After this, is the march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. This is followed by a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different States and cultural dances by patriotic school children.
Children who have won National Bravery Awards ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants. These children are honoured and awarded by the Indian Council for Child Welfare for performing outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice.
The Republic Day Parade is concluded by dare devil motor cycle riding and a flypast by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath, as spectators look on with their hearts filled with pride.
To view the live webcast of the 60th Republic Day Celebrations and the President's Address to the Nation, click here.
Working Towards a Bright Future
We as Indians must once again take a pledge to re-dedicate ourselves to our beloved motherland.
Let us also take an oath to make our country excel in every field from education to development, science and technology and wipe out all obstacles that forbid our nation's progress
"Be the change you want to see in this world"
- Mahatma Gandhi
The establishment of the Republic in 1950 was the first step towards fulfilling the dreams of citizens. The Constitution laid the foundation of the structure of governance and pledged to secure justice, liberty, equality and dignity for everyone. Over the years, the country was inspired by the values of freedom, tolerance and plurality. The inherent strength of our citizens hailing from diverse language, religious and cultural backgrounds contributed immensely towards the growth of the nation. During these years, India has travelled far, overcoming various obstacles and hurdles to rejoice in moments of triumph and glory.
A Celebration of Heroism
On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess. This parade is presided over by the President of India. One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to confer bravery awards on military persons, citizenry and children for showing courage in the face of adversity.
The Prime Minister of India first lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country. After that there is the 21 gun salute, unfurling of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem. Next, awards such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra are presented to gallantry award winners.
The parade begins with winners of gallantry awards saluting the President in open military jeeps. Next, comes a display of various tanks, missiles and other equipment added to the arsenal of the military. After this, is the march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. This is followed by a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different States and cultural dances by patriotic school children.
Children who have won National Bravery Awards ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants. These children are honoured and awarded by the Indian Council for Child Welfare for performing outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice.
The Republic Day Parade is concluded by dare devil motor cycle riding and a flypast by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath, as spectators look on with their hearts filled with pride.
To view the live webcast of the 60th Republic Day Celebrations and the President's Address to the Nation, click here.
Working Towards a Bright Future
We as Indians must once again take a pledge to re-dedicate ourselves to our beloved motherland.
Let us also take an oath to make our country excel in every field from education to development, science and technology and wipe out all obstacles that forbid our nation's progress
"Be the change you want to see in this world"
- Mahatma Gandhi
