26 Jan 1950. First Republic Day of Independent India.
While the World was sleeping on the night of 14th August 1947, India was burning its midnight oil. Nearly 100 years of struggle and thousands of martyrs later, came the freedom. Freedom from the British Raj. Or Atleast that’s what we thought. While it’s true that India has its freedom, it shared a common allegiance to the Crown. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 mentions India and Pakistan as two independent Dominions. India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional monarchy – George VI was head of state and the Earl, Lord Mountbatten, was governor-general.
Yet, we celebrated. Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first Prime Minister of India, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. While in many places sweets were distributed, there were severe violent riots in other places. Nearly 15 million people displaced due to sectarian violence. Some wished Pakistan to be separate and others to be one among us!
We did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, our laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935 which was proposed by the British. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to the public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution.
After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. And on this day, it come into effect throughout the nation. 26 January was selected because it was when the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) on 1930. Today is India’s first republic day.
This day is more important than 15th August 1947. Today, we honor the Constitution of India coming into force replacing the Government of India Act as the governing document of India. We have our own laws. We are now sovereign; free from all the nations and are truly independent. If our nation had its birth on August 1947, it now could speak on its own. It has its own voice. Not only must its voice be heard across the nations but also within its own territories.
India is a huge nation. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, several diverse cultures exist. The voice should reflect this diversity. There is huge famine in many places. People are dying. Planning is urgency here. Many children are dying of unknown fever. Sanity is an issue here. Domestic violence is still growing. Women Empowerment is a right that needs to be addressed. Caste based Discrimination is still unchecked. Education is a necessary here. And there are many more! It is now time we build this nation for a transforming future. Let us all abide by the voice of nation!
Army vehicles and battle tanks, part of the India’s First Republic Day Parade, pass through Chandni Chowk in the Walled city (India’s First Republic Day Celebrations, Jan 26, 1950 Rare Photos)
Photos courtesy of Merepix.
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Written by S G A Thomas
