“Freedom in our Mind, Faith in our Words, Pride in our Heart and Memories in our Souls.
Let’s Salute the Nation on Republic Day.”
India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, although it declared itself as a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic State with the adoption of the Constitution on 26th January, 1950. 66 years back, a salute of 21 guns and the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Dr. Rajendra Prasad (the First President of India) announced the historic birth of the Indian Republic, 894 days after our country became independent, following the withdrawal of the British Rule. Since then, every year, this day is celebrated with great pride and happiness all across the nation.
The transition of India from a British colony to a sovereign, secular and a democratic nation was a very long journey, which lasted for about 2 decades (20 years). It started with the conceptualization of the dream in 1930, when the Declaration of Independence was officially announced on 26th January, 1930. The Congress regularly observed 26th January as the Independence Day of India since then, until 15th August became the official Independence Day. The actual realization of the dream of a republic nation took place 20 years later, in 1950, when the Constitution of India, as drafted and approved by the Constituent Assembly of India, was directed to take effect on 26th January 1950, to commemorate the declaration made in 1930.
On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most significant of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country’s rich cultural & traditional heritage and their military prowess. The parade is presided over by the President of India. The Prime Minister of India lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country. After that there is the 21 gun salute, unfurling of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem. Next, the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra are presented to military persons, citizens and children for showing courage in the face of adversities.
The Republic Day Parade is concluded with a fly-past by the Indian Air Force Fighter jets over Rajpath, as viewers look on with their hearts filled with pride. The Republic Day celebrations of India have rightly become world famous as one of the greatest displays drawing thousands of eager spectators from all over the country and different parts of the world as well.
This Republic Day, celebrate the feeling of great pride and joy towards our country with your child, using the following tips:
- Hoist the National Flag in your building’s parking lot or garden and sing the National Anthem.
- Take your child to watch the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath or watch the LIVE telecast of the parade at home.
- Make tri-coloured sandwiches or foods for your child, for e.g. use cucumbers, tomatoes, etc for the sandwiches.
- Dress your child in tri-colour clothes.
- Explain your child about the significance of this day.
- Watch patriotic movies with your child and ask her what she liked about the movie.