10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY

New Delhi(web team): Republic day is not just like any other holiday! Probably one of the most significant days for the country but very few know the actual importance of this Historic Day. Here’s something you should know and you can teach your kids too on this special holiday!

1. THE ORIGIN

India gained independence on August 15, 1947 but it was only on January 26, 1950 that the Constitution of India came into force and India became a truly sovereign, democratic and republic state.

It was on and after this day that our country enjoyed freedom of spirit, rules of law and fundamental principles of governance.
It was the Indian Constituent Assembly that formed our constitution. It held a meeting on December 9, 1946 and chose a number of committees to report on various matters of the proposed constitution.

2. THE PREAMBLE

A preamble of the Indian constitution is very similar to the preface of a book. Just like a preface gives us a brief outline and the central idea or theme of the respective book, the preamble gives us an overview of the constitution.

It speaks about the type of society and government it aspires India and her citizens to have. It summarises the objectives of the constitution. Not just in India but the world over, the Indian preamble is held in high regard for its approach in dealing with a wide variety of subjects.

1. WHY JANUARY 26 AND NOT ANOTHER DATE?

January 26 was not randomly picked as the day to declare India a republic. The date is of utmost significance as on this date in 1927 the Indian National Congress (INC), which was struggling for freedom with non-violence, voted for complete independence as against dominion status. On this day members of the INC took the pledge to work towards a sovereign, democratic, republic of India.

1. CELEBRATIONS IN THE CAPITAL

Republic Day is celebrated with much ado in the capital New Delhi with symbols of the country’s military might and cultural richness showcased in a majestic parade.The parade covers an 8km route beginning at Rashtrapati Bhavan all the way to India Gate and finishes at the Red Fort in Old Delhi. The celebrations end with Beating the Retreat on January 29.

1. INDIA OFFICIALLY BECAME A REPUBLIC

• – Dr B R Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.
• – The committee finalised the draft with 395 Articles and eight Schedules and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.
• – The Indian Republic officially came into being on January 26, 1950.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Indian Constitution, the longest in the world, now consists of 397 articles and 12 schedules.
• The Indian Constitution gives the right to vote to all citizens aged 18 years and above, unless they are disqualified.
• Fundamental Rights are guaranteed to all Indian citizens. The Supreme Court, consisting of the Chief Justice of India and other judges, is the guardian of the Constitution. The Supreme Court stands at the apex of a single integrated judicial system for the whole country. This is where the fundamental rights of the citizens are protected.

FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE!

Dress in different traditional Indian costumes representing each state and perform a song, dance or speech from the respective region.

1. Head to your school library to read more about how India became a Republic and the people who contributed to the creation of the constitution.
2. Among your classmates or group of friends, compile a list of trivia associated with Republic Day and India’s constitution.
3. Prepare a Republic Day quiz for your class. You can also make a Republic Day crossword or word search.
4. Learn more about other countries and what Republic Day means to them.
5. Fun Craft that can keep you occupied through the day!