By Pooja Srivastava

Why do we celebrate Republic Day?

Our constitution was formed by the Indian Constituent Assembly. The Indian Constituent Assembly met on December 9, 1946. The Assembly appointed a number of committees to report on the various aspects of the proposed constitution.

The Constituent Assembly had appointed Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman to draft the Constitution. The committee finalized 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.

January 26 was not some random date picked out of the calendar. It was on this date in 1927, that the Indian National Congress, then fighting its non-violent war for freedom ,voted for complete independence as against ‘dominion status’. It was the date when members of the INC took the pledge to work towards a ‘sovereign democratic republic’ of India
The Indian Constitution, the longest in the world, now consist of 397 articles and 12 schedules which provides for a single citizenship for the whole of India. It gives the right to vote to all the citizens of 18 years and above, unless they are disqualified. Fundamental rights are guaranteed to the citizens, equality of religion and so on. The Supreme Court, consisting of the Chief Justice of India and other judges, are the guardian of the Constitution. It 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.

Republic Day is a people’s day in a variety of ways:

It’s when regional identity takes a backseat and what matters most is the universal appeal of unity and brotherhood projected by all Indians.The Indian constitution basically stands for the aspirations which ‘the common man of India’ cherishes.
Republic Day is a day of the citizen of the country when he is entitled to be ‘all supreme’.

Republic Day is celebrated most majestically in the capital, New Delhi, where symbols of the great nation’s military might and cultural wealth are displayed in what is the world’s most impressive parade. All Government buildings are illuminated lending the city the atmosphere of a fairyland. This day is celebrated with much zeal and pride all across the nation.

But are we really celebrating it ?

The flame of patriotism brightened  in my  heart on such special occasion. I hope you guys also feel a sense of patriotism on this day. In fact, Indians all over the world must be remembering their beautiful country today! If you observe closely, today i.e. on 26 January 2011, you will find the air to be one of love, sacrifice and pride for India!

I guess we all were taught the significance of Republic Day in Indian History. But the question is whether it actually holds any significance for us beyond passing an 8th Std history exam? Is it just another holiday, an excuse to not go to work, maybe just a dry day.

It brings us to ponder over the meaning of Republic Day Celebrations….

Republic Day of India is celebrated with great zeal. It is a people’s day. On Independence Day, the past is re-called , on Republic Day, the pledge is renewed. The essence behind the celebration of Republic day is not only to celebrate India’s secularism and democracy but also to make us feel proud of our culture, languages, social norms, traditions, customs, religions that make India a wonderful multi-cultural country. The Republic Day Parade is reflective of the united India that is one despite the apparent diversities in culture, lifestyle, languages, traditions and religions.

But do we  realize this attribute of our National culture? Or is it just a mid-week break for us?

Any working class Indian would cry foul if national festivals like ‘Republic day’ falls on a weekend. Because, we need such holidays to skip work on a weekday and pamper ourselves with sleep till noon or go out with loved ones for a movie or even a day trip etc., If we all dig our memories back to schooldays, do we ever care NOW to think and remember all those famous people who made our country for what it is today? Forget all that, do we have time to participate in any local event where our tri-colored flag is hosted? How about a thought of standing and respecting our national anthem for at least once in a year? 

In this fast-moving world, these celebrations are just an indication that says “Dude! Stop. Relax. Think” if not “Dude! Stop. Relax. Do sumthng for your country”. It’s an occasion to take some time off…stop cribbing about how you are leading the most miserable life anyone can have or how the political system of our country is going down the drains or how the population and corruption is exponentially increasing ,but start trying a little harder to change these things that are hampering our society.

Republic Day is a time to enjoy the rich culture, acknowledge people who have made an attempt to put their lives to good use for others’ sake… and maybe derive some inspiration from it. A  day when you stop cribbing and start shouting for the fulfillment of the pledge. A day running high on idealism.Sources:Festivalsofindia

I know being too optimistic can be mistaken for being naive which I do not want. But at least a day is all I am asking for.

” A day to celebrate our nation and to celebrate our nationality ,just a 24 hour to smell the sense of true patriotism “.