Republic Day, India
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Five things to know about 66th Republic Day
Why January 26 was chosen
Written by Arjun Sengupta, January 27, 2023: The Indian Express
While the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 by the Constituent Assembly, January 26, 1950 was chosen as the day it would come into effect. Here is why
Since 1950, January 26 has marked the day India’s Constitution came into effect. However, the Constitution was prepared way before the chosen date, adopted officially by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. Why do we celebrate our Republic Day on January 26, then? The answer lies in the history of the Indian freedom struggle during which the date held significance since 1930.
On January 26,1930, the historic “Poorna Swaraj” declaration was officially promulgated, beginning the final phase of India’s freedom struggle where the goal would be complete independence from British rule.
Republic Day: The context of the 1920s
The Non Cooperation Movement ended unceremoniously in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident. Mahatma Gandhi, at the time, felt that the country was “not yet ready” for his non-violent methods of protest. Thus, the 1920s did not see further mobilisation at the scale that was seen during the Non Cooperation Movement and the anti-Rowlatt Satyagraha.
The 1920s however were far from insignificant. From the rise of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad to the coming of age of a new generation of Indian National Congress (INC) leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vallabhai Patel and C Rajagopalachari, the 1920s laid the ground for the future course of India’s freedom struggle. Notably, in 1927, British Authorities appointed the Simon Commission – a seven-man, all European team under Sir John Simon – to deliberate on political reforms in India. This sent a wave of outrage and discontentment across the country. For the first time since 1922, protests against the Simon Commission spread nationwide, with chants of “Simon Go Back” echoing across the country.
In response, the INC appointed its own commission under Motilal Nehru. The Nehru Report demanded that India be granted dominion status within the Empire. In the Balfour Declaration of 1926, dominions were defined as “autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations.” In 1926, countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand were granted dominion status.
Internal disagreement with the Congress: Dominion or Republic?
Crucially, even within the Congress, the Nehru Report did not enjoy universal support. Young leaders such as Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, Motilal’s own son, wanted India to break all ties with the British Empire. They argued that under dominion status, while India would enjoy a certain level of autonomy, the British Parliament and Crown would still have the ability to meddle in Indian affairs.
Importantly, for both Bose and Nehru, attaining dominion status would make India party to colonial exploitation elsewhere in the British Empire, mainly Africa. With a far more radical worldview than their predecessors, Bose and Nehru looked at anti-colonialism not only as a local political issue for India but in a more global lens. However, Gandhi was still very much for dominion status, arguing that it would be a welcome step in India’s anti-colonial struggle. His views would soon change.
Viceroy Irwin goes back on his word
In 1929, Viceroy Irwin had vaguely announced that India would be granted dominion status in the future. Known as the Irwin Declaration, it was warmly welcomed by Indians but faced massive backlash back in Britain.
The British population was still pro-Empire and India was seen as the Empire’s Crown Jewel. Importantly, as the world economy went into a recession, India was arguably Britain’s most valuable colony with its vast land, resources, and population crucial for its economy.
Thus, under pressure from back home, Irwin went back on his word. In a meeting with Gandhi, Muslim League’s Muhhammad Ali Jinnah and a few other leaders, he said that he could not promise India dominion status any time soon.
This would be a turning point as the Congress grew increasingly united on the issue. With the British unable to follow through on even reasonable reforms, Indians supported increasingly “radical” goals – a fully independent republic being one of the first.
Declaration of Poorna Swaraj
The Lahore Session of the INC convened in December 1929. On December 19, the historic “Poorna Swaraj” resolution was passed in the session. Literally meaning “total self-rule/sovereignty,” the resolution read, “The British government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally and spiritually…. Therefore…India must sever the British connection and attain Poorna Swaraj or complete independence.”
This declaration of Independence was officially promulgated on January 26, 1930. The Congress urged Indians to come out and celebrate “independence” on that day. The Indian tricolour was hoisted across the country by Congress party workers and patriotic songs were sung as the country reconfigured its strategy for Independence. The resolution also contained in it an affirmation to the Gandhian methods of nonviolent protest, which would start almost immediately after Poorna Swaraj Day was celebrated.
Historian Mithi Mukherjee in India under the Shadows of Empire writes that the Poorna Swaraj declaration was a critical pivot point for India’s freedom struggle. It is with this declaration that India’s national movement “shifted from the language of charity to the language of justice.”
Republic Day in post-Independence India
From 1930 till India finally won its independence in 1947, January 26 was celebrated as “Independence Day” or “Poorna Swaraj Day” with Indians reaffirming their commitment towards sovereignty on that day.
However, India won independence from the British on August 15, exactly two years after the Japanese surrendered to the Allies to end World War II. As historian Ramchandra Guha wrote, “freedom finally came on a day that resonated with imperial pride rather than nationalist sentiment.”
Thus, when leaders had to decide on a day to promulgate India’s new constitution, January 26 was thought to be ideal. Not only did this date already hold nationalist significance, the Constitution in many ways reflected the “Poorna Swaraj” declaration of two decades back.
While today’s Republic Day celebrations are very different from what Poorna Swaraj Day looked like under British Raj, January 26 remains a solemn reminder of the journey India took to attain self-rule.
The history of the parade
January 26 marks the day in 1950 when India adopted its constitution, after gaining independence from Britain in 1947.
Every year, India hosts the leader of a foreign country as chief guest for the parade. Obama is the first US president to be guest of honour.
Historical trivia
V Kumara Swamy, January 26, 2021: The Times of India
From: V Kumara Swamy, January 26, 2021: The Times of India
From: V Kumara Swamy, January 26, 2021: The Times of India
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From: V Kumara Swamy, January 26, 2021: The Times of India
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From: V Kumara Swamy, January 26, 2021: The Times of India
In 2021, a 122-member contingent from Bangladesh's armed forces was part of the Republic Day parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Indo-Pak war that led to the liberation and creation of Bangladesh. This was the first time that a marching contingent from a neighbouring country was invited to participate in the parade. France has been the other country to feature in a previous year.
Over the past 71 years, there have been quite a few features and elements introduced to the Republic Day parades. And many significant firsts'. Here's a look at some of them. 1) The Republic Day parade at the current venue – New Delhi's Rajpath – was held for the first time in 1955. Between 1950 and 1954, the parade was held at Delhi's Red Fort, National Stadium, Kingsway Camp and the Ramlila ground.
2) In 2008, Pratibha Devisingh Patil became the first woman President of India to take the salute during the Republic Day parade. Patil assumed the office of the President on July 25, 2007 and continued until 2012.
3) A contingent of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), comprising college students, took part in the parade for the first time in 1951 and it has continued to be part of it to this day. A brainchild of the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, NCC units were established across the country in 1949.
An NCC contingent has been part of the Republic Day parade since 1951 (PIB photo) 4) The other youth organisation, National Service Scheme (NSS) was invited to be part of the parade for the first time in 1988. The youth-based public service programme, was established in 1969 to coincide with Mahatma Gandhi's birth centenary. The NSS has been a regular feature of the parade since 1988.
5) Captain Divya Ajith of the Indian Army became the first officer to lead an all-women contingent during the 2015 Republic Day parade. In fact, this was also the first year when the Indian Navy and Air Force also had all-women contingents marching down the Rajpath.
6) A contingent from Bangladesh will participate in the parade for the first time this year, but it is not the first foreign nation to do so. In 2016, a French Army contingent took part in the Republic Day parade on Rajpath. Incidentally, French President Francois Hollande was the 'Guest of Honour' that year.
7) One of the most popular attractions during the Republic Day parade is the caparisoned contingent of camels. Belonging to the Border Security Force (BSF), 'the ship of the desert' has been part of the parade since 1950. The Indian Army was in charge of the camel contingent until 1976 when the BSF took over the tradition. Except for a break of two years, this contingent has always been part of the parade.
8) In 2020, for the first time, a contingent of women bikers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) performed daredevil stunts on Rajpath. They were led by inspector Seema Nag who saluted President Ram Nath Kovind while standing atop a moving motorcycle, balancing herself deftly.
9) Ever since 1950, when Indonesian President Sukarno was invited as the 'Guest of Honour' for the first parade, India had up to three world leaders as its 'Guests of Honour' at different times, but, in 2018, for the first ever, it had as many as 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as its 'Guests of Honour'.
Guests of honour
Trivia
V Kumara Swamy, January 24, 2022: The Times of India
The Republic Day celebrations will go ahead this year without any foreign leader as a chief guest, the second year in a row when the event has been affected by the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the years, India has invited several heads of state and world leaders, big and small, of varying stature, as guests for the Republic Day parade. The guest list has included: Yugoslavia's President Josip Broz Tito (1968 and 1974), Tanzania's President Julius Nyerere (1971), South Africa's President Nelson Mandela (1995), Russian President Vladimir Putin (2007), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2014) and US President Barack Obama (2015).
Some notable Republic Day guests
Here, we look at other significant names over the last 71 years.
1. President Sukarno of Indonesia was the Guest of Honour during India’s first Republic Day event in 1950. Leader of the Indonesian independence movement and free Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno was a friend of India, and together with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Sukarno founded the Non-aligned Movement (NAM). Timing it with his visit in 1950, Delhi University conferred upon him an honorary PhD on January 25, 1950. Prime Minister Nehru, who was a friend of Sukarno, was present at the convocation.
2. The first guest at the Republic Day parade when it moved to Rajpath in 1955, was an unlikely one: Pakistan’s Governor General Malik Ghulam Mohammed. Surprisingly, he wasn’t the only Pakistani official to be invited (see point 5). At a banquet hosted by President Dr Rajendra Prasad on the eve of Republic Day, Mohammed said, "The basic problems which are facing India and Pakistan are essentially the same. It is, therefore, very important for both countries that they cooperate in solving them and adopt the same principles and fellow-feeling in doing so.”
3. A Chinese military delegation led by Ye Jianying visited India from January 22 to March 3, 1958. A frontline leader in the Chinese Communist Party and a key military administrator, he later held significant posts in the Chinese government. Jianying was the first, and last, Chinese leader to be invited as the Guest of Honour for R-Day celebrations.
4. British royals, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II are the only husband and wife duo to be invited separately as Guests of Honour at India’s Republic Day celebrations. While Prince Philip was invited in 1958, just over a decade after India’s Independence, Queen Elizabeth II graced the occasion two years later, in 1961.
5. The second, and last, time a Pakistani delegate was invited as the Guest of Honour at the Republic Day function was in 1965.
Within weeks of the visit of Rana Abdul Hamid, minister for food and agriculture, the Pakistani Army started initiated incursions at the international border in Kutch, Gujarat. There were several skirmishes before peace was restored in the area. But Pakistan, clearly, had already been preparing for the war in Kashmir later that year.
6. India did not receive a guest for the Republic Day parade in 1966. This was due to the sudden death of the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on January 11. Gulzarilal Nanda was sworn in as the Acting Prime Minister for a period of 13 days thereafter. Finally, Indira Gandhi took over as Prime Minister on January 24, just ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.
7. Jacques Chirac was the French Prime Minister when he was invited as the guest of honour for the parade in 1976. He returned as guest 22 years later, in 1998, but this time as the President of France. Chirac is the only person to have attended the function twice, in his two different roles.
8. The rulers of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1954), Jigme Singye Wangchuck (1984 and 2005), Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (2013), royals from the same dynasty (father, son and grandson), have attended the parades. And all three have been invited as Guests of Honour at the Indian Republic Day celebrations on four different occasions.
Military parades on R-Day
The significance
Written by Arjun Sengupta, January 27, 2023: The Indian Express
For most Indians, the parade in New Delhi remains Republic Day’s most enduring symbol. A grand show of India’s military might, as well as its diverse culture, the Republic Day parade holds a close place in many Indian hearts.
But why do the celebrations include a parade at all? What does a military parade have to do with promulgating the constitution? We explain.
Military parades: public shows of power since ancient times
There is a historical link between strong displays of soldiers and weaponry, and national pride. Accounts dating as far back as the Mesopotamian civilisation mention marching soldiers. Through the sacred Gate of Ishtar in Babylon, returning warrior kings would march into the city down a passage flanked by 60 giant lion statues on either side, with murals of the gods smiling upon them. In the heydey of the Roman Empire, victorious generals would lead a procession into the capital, surrounded by frenzied crowds on all sides.
The reason being, through the grand show of force that an organised marching contingent of soldiers displayed, legacies of triumph and near-mystical power were forged in the minds of onlookers and beyond. As empires gave way to nation-states, the tone of the military parade continued to remain the same. With rising nationalism in Europe in the 19th century, military parades became national symbols that were supposed to capture the collective frenzy of a nation’s inhabitants into feelings of nationalism.
The Prussian army (with Prussia consisting largely of modern-day Germany) is said to have been the pioneer of modern military parades. From the notorious “goose-step,” that would become a symbol of the Nazi army, to many of the popular formations seen today, all can be traced back to Prussia.
A relic of India’s colonial past
During the British Raj, royal parades and processions were commonplace. They projected British power not only to Indians but to the rest of the world, especially, to its competing European colonial powers. As India gained its independence, it continued with many erstwhile British traditions – the parade being one of them.
A military parade marked India’s first Republic Day in 1950. At the time, the country’s leaders wanted to commemorate the occasion as a day of national celebration. While the day marked India’s new constitution officially coming into effect, leaders saw it as a day of victory for the Indian state and its people – victory against colonial rule and the coming of a new, sovereign and strong republic. Thus, the military parade was chosen as an integral part of Republic Day celebrations.
The parades keep getting grander
The parade in 1950 was held in the Irwin Amphitheatre (presently known as the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium). The ceremony included the official swearing-in of Dr Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, as well as a marching contingent of over “3000 men” with the artillery firing a “21 gun salute” and “Liberator planes of the Indian Air Force flying overhead,” wrote historian Ram Chandra Guha in India After Gandhi.
As the parade shifted to Rajpath (now Kartavya Path), its scale grew grander. In its new setting, the imagery of the parade was also different, replete with colonial symbols that were being reimagined as national images. From the erstwhile Viceroy’s house to the memorial for British Indian soldiers that we know today as India Gate, over time, these colonial creations underwent a process of “Indianisation” as their colonial associations were systematically pushed out of the public consciousness and a new meaning was provided to them.
A symbol of unity in diversity
Moreover, the Republic Day parade soon began to include many non-military elements as well. The iconic tableaux became an integral part of the event, not only adding colour to the stoic military tone of the parade but also becoming symbols of India’s diverse culture.
In the 1950s and 1960s, there were still significant tensions between India and many of its states, mainly due to linguistic differences and fears of cultural imposition. The tableaux showing various states were introduced as a way to celebrate India’s differences while espousing a coherent national identity.
“For Indians, the parade is primarily a symbolic affair that reinforces their identity as part of a powerful republic,” historian Srinath Raghavan told the BBC. For many Indians, it is also an expression of their regional identities. Through a military parade held on a day of national significance, replete with nationalist imagery and commentary, these regional identities often then become absorbed in the larger ideas of Indian nationalism.
Tableaux
Selection of tableaux: criteria and history
Anjishnu Das, January 9, 2020: The Times of India
From: Anjishnu Das, January 9, 2020: The Times of India
From: Anjishnu Das, January 9, 2020: The Times of India
From: Anjishnu Das, January 9, 2020: The Times of India
The announcement of the Republic Day 2020 tableaux has kicked up a storm, with state governments claiming their proposals were snubbed for political reasons. But how are the floats for the parade chosen and has politics played a role in the selection process? TOI takes a look... Which states’ tableaux proposals got selected for Republic Day 2020? Fifteen states, one UT and six ministries or departments were selected to present tableaux on Republic Day this year. Twenty-two proposals were selected from a total of 56 — 32 from the states and UTs, and 24 from ministries and departments.
How are tableaux selected?
The ministry of defence conducts the selection process for tableaux. A committee of experts from the arts invites proposals from states, Union Territories, ministries and departments. The deadline to submit proposals was August 31, 2019 for the 2020 Republic Day. The committee makes its decisions over two rounds: It first evaluates sketches and designs of the tableaux and provides suggestions for alterations and, then, the participants are asked to build three-dimensional models for a second round of examination. These models are then judged by the committee for its final decision.
What are the criteria for selection?
There are a number of guidelines the proposals must follow. The defence ministry suggests that the tableaux should be built around broad themes — an event in the state or UT’s history, festivals, cultural or architectural heritage, a development scheme, the environment. Each participant is only allowed one tableau. The cost of designing and building models for the selection process are to be borne by the participants. If participants fail to attend their meetings with the committee, they are disqualified. The guidelines recommend that there should be, as far as possible, “some movement, sound and animation on the tableaux.” The tableaux cannot carry any logos, and must have the state or agency name in Hindi on the front, English on the back, and the regional language on the side where applicable.
Why are state governments protesting rejections to their proposals?
Several states are claiming their tableaux snubs were politically motivated. The Trinamool government in West Bengal, claims its proposal was rejected over its criticism of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. In a statement, the Centre said West Bengal’s proposal was rejected in the second round of deliberations though it did not give a specific reason for the denial. The Left government in Kerala too claims it was discriminated against for its stance on CAA. Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government has accused the Centre of being prejudiced. The Centre also said, “Due to time constraints arising out of overall duration of the parade, only a limited number of tableaux can be shortlisted for participation in the parade.”
Data on tableaux selection shows that rejections are quite common. For this year’s parade, seven of the states selected are ruled by non-BJP parties. Eight of the selected proposals came from states ruled by BJP.
Parade
2020: Remount Veterinary Corps
The Times of India, Jan 27 2016
After 26 yrs, K-9 unit on Rajpath
A glimpse of India's canine might amid the country's military prowess got the crowd to their feet when a squad of 36 dogs and their handlers marched down Rajpath during the 67th Republic Day Parade. It was after a gap of 26 years that the Republic Day parade saw a canine contingent. Decked up in striped maroon and gold coats and marching past in coordinated strides, the “silent warriors“ of the Indian Army belonging to the Remount Veterinary Corps were led by Captain Anurag Chandram Hati Boruah.
The contingent comprised German Shepherds and Labra dors specially trained in explosives and mine detection, tracking, guarding and attack.
The marching canines were chosen out of 1,200 Army dogs and trained for weeks for the parade. The dogs and trainers have won a Shaurya Chakra, six Sena Medals, 143 Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Cards and six Vice Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Cards. The dogs have been apart of operations in J&K and the Northeast and have helped in detecting explosives.
The handlers also wore drill boots to avoid injuring the dogs. Instead of extending their left foot in the at-ease position, they extended their right foot to synchronise their steps with the dogs.
Prime Ministers
PM Modi's R-Day turbans, 2017-22
Jan 26, 2021: The Times of India
The Prime Minister wore different colours of turbans in the Republic Day parades.
On the occasion of 72nd Republic Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi donned a traditional pagdi from Jamnagar. From bandhej to bandhani, PM Modi’s traditional turbans worn with tailored kurta or a bandhgala have always made a strong statement. Take a look at some popular pagdis worn by the PM in the last five years.
A special pagdi from Jamnagar (2021)
Prime Minister Modi wore a special 'Pagdi' from Jamnagar. The first such pagdi was reportedly gifted to the PM by the royal family of Jamnagar, Gujarat
A saffron bandhej safa (2020)
PM Modi sported a saffron 'bandhej' headgear with a tail for the 71st Republic Day
Mustard Rajasthani safa (2019)
Red and mustard Rajasthani safa worn with kurta pyjama and bandhgala jacket was much-talked about in 2019
Multicoloured pagdi in bandhani (2018)
PM Modi’s colourful pagdi went well with black bandhgala jacket and kurta pyjama
Pink Chanderi turban (2017)
PM Modi wore a pink silver zari striped Chanderi turban at the 68th Republic Day celebrations
Its Content
The Republic Day parade is a pomp-filled spectacle that combines the Soviet-style showcasing of military hardware with carnival-style floats featuring tribal dancers and traditional music.
Columns of uniformed troops will march down New Delhi's broad Rajpath avenue as helicopters shower the crowds with petals.
Tableaux
How the tableaux are designed and selected
Krishn Kaushik, January 18, 2022: The Indian Express
When does the process to decide the tableaux start and who can participate?
Around September every year the Defence Ministry, which is responsible for the Republic Day parade and the celebrations, invites all the states, the Union Territories, Central Government departments, and a few constitutional authorities to participate in the parade through tableaux.
The Defence Ministry wrote letters to the 80 Union Ministries and departments, all 36 states and Union Territories through their secretaries, and the Election Commission and the Niti Aayog on September 16, inviting them to participate. The letter mentioned that it “initiates the process of inviting tableau proposals for participation” in the Republic Day parade.
The proposals had to be submitted by September 27, and the shortlisting of the proposals began in the second week of October.
Can the participating states or central government departments depict anything through their tableaux?
The participants have to showcase elements relevant to their state/ UT/ department, within the overarching theme. The theme given to participants this year was around 75 years of India’s Independence. The theme, the government told willing participants is India@75 – Freedom struggle, Ideas @ 75, Achievements @ 75, Actions @ 75 and Resolve @ 75.
The Defence Ministry also shares the basic guidelines about what all the tableaux can or should include. The participating entities must engage “young qualified designers from renowned institutions”, electronic display walls for bright display of images or content, moving elements using robotics or mechatronics, 3D printing could be used for certain elements, use of augmented or virtual reality, and special effects to improve the optics and visual effects of the tableau.
The tableaux of two different states/ UTs cannot be too similar, as the tableaux, together, should showcase the diversity of the country.
The tableaux cannot have any writing or use of logos, except for the name of the state/ UT/ department, which should be written in Hindi on the front, English on the back, and a regional language on the sides.
The Defence Ministry also asked the participants to use eco-friendly material for the tableaux, and avoid the use of plastic or plastic-based products.
How are the tableaux selected?
The selection process is elaborate and time-consuming. The Defence Ministry constitutes an expert committee of distinguished persons from fields like art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, etc, who help in shortlisting the tableaux from the proposals.
First, the submitted sketches or designs of the proposals are scrutinised by this committee, which can make suggestions for any modifications in the sketch or design. The sketch should be simple, colouful, easy to comprehend and should avoid unnecessary detail. It should be self-explanatory, and should not need any written elaboration.
If there is a traditional dance involved with the tableau, it should be a folk dance, and the costumes and musical instruments should be traditional and authentic. The proposal should include a video clipping of the dance.
Once approved, the next stage is for the participants to come up with three dimensional models for their proposals, which are again examined by the expert committee for final selection, taking in view several criteria.
In making the final selection the committee looks at a combination of factors, looking at the visual appeal, impact on the masses, idea/ theme of the tableaux, degree of detail involved, accompanying music, among other factors.
The committee meets for around half a dozen rounds over a number of days, eliminating and shortlisting the proposals as they go along. Only those who are shortlisted, are informed about the next round.
The letter inviting participation stressed: “Final selection does not guarantee movement on Rajpath in the final parade, if it has not been created in terms of the final approved version during selection round.”
The Defence Ministry recommends the participants to try and not engage any firm or fabricator that are involved in creation of two tableaux, including their own.
Do they have to be of a particular size?
The Defence Ministry provides each participant with one tractor and one trailer, and the tableau should fit on that. The ministry prohibits use of any additional tractor or trailer, or even any other vehicle to be part of it. However, the participant can replace their ministry-provided tractor or trailer with other vehicles, but the total number should not be more than two vehicles.
The tractor has to be camouflaged in harmony with the tableau’s theme, and the ministry stipulates a distance of around six feet between the tractor and the trailer for turning and manoeuvering.
The participants can add ground elements on some tableaux, considering the theme.
The dimensions of the trailer on which the tableau will be placed is 24 feet, 8 inches long; eight feet wide; four feet two inches high; with a load bearing capacity of 10 tonnes. The tableaux should not be more than 45 feet long, 14 feet wide and 16 feet high from the ground.
1950
V Kumara Swamy, January 25, 2021: The Times of India
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From: V Kumara Swamy, January 25, 2021: The Times of India
From: V Kumara Swamy, January 25, 2021: The Times of India
It was a chilly Thursday morning on January 26, 1950. The air was charged with excitement. Delhi had been preparing for weeks for this day, the rehearsals for the event had started since it was, after all, a historic day: the day when India would declare itself a Sovereign Democratic Republic. And the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad would be installed in office.
As day broke, different localities of Delhi witnessed early morning processions or ' Prabhat Pheris' by jubilant citizens, beating drums and blowing conch shells, singing patriotic songs, heralding the arrival of the day. There were similar celebrations across the country.
The day began early for President-elect Dr Rajendra Prasad, with a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to the Father of the Nation.
Soon after visiting the Gandhi memorial spot, Dr Prasad was driven to Government House (later named Rashtrapati Bhavan) where he would meet India's last Governor General C. Rajagopalachari. Both leaders then proceeded to the high-domed Durbar Hall, where Prasad was welcomed with the blowing of trumpets by the President's guards. Rajagopalachari then read a proclamation at eighteen minutes past ten, according to which, “India, that is, Bharat” was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic. A few minutes later, Dr Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India by the then Chief Justice of India Harilal Kania in the Durbar Hall.
Although the flag of the first and last Indian Governor General of India was different from the British viceroys and governors general, it retained some of the British characteristics. On the other hand, the President's flag replacing it had four equally divided sections with the first quarter carrying the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the second quarter had a 5th-century painting from the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, the third quarter had a weighing scale from Delhi’s Red Fort and the fourth had the image of a vase of the Indian lotus from Sarnath near present-day Varanasi. This flag was discontinued in 1971 and the Rashtrapati Bhavan started flying the tricolor.
As a band played the National Anthem, the birth of the Republic to the outside world was announced with a booming of 31 gun salute. Dr Prasad went on to deliver his acceptance speech in Hindi. In his message, he said India's government would now be "carried on by its people and for its people. “The objective of our Republic is to secure justice, liberty and equality to its citizens and to promote fraternity among the people who inhabit its vast territories and follow different religions, speak various languages and observe their peculiar customs," Dr Prasad added.
The newly installed President later presided over the swearing in of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Deputy Prime Minister Vallabh Bhai Patel and Cabinet ministers BR, Ambedkar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and others in an anteroom of the Government House.
The public celebrations were to begin in the afternoon. It began with the President and the chief guest at the function, Indonesian President Sukarno, being driven in a six-horse carriage to New Delhi’s Irwin Stadium (later named Dhyan Chand Stadium) at 2:30pm. Escorted by the President’s Bodyguards, the five mile path was lined with jubilant public raising slogans to hail the republic.
The procession was given a musical touch with a band of the Gwalior Lancers on horse-back leading it. It passed through New Delhi’s Parliament Street, Connaught Circus, Barakhamba Road, Sikandra Road and Hardinge Avenue (Tilak Marg) before reaching the Stadium. The procession passed through 15 large tastefully decorated, arches depicting scenes from Indian history and civilisation. All of them had popular mottos or verses from the Mahabharata inscribed on them. The procession took more than an hour to reach the stadium, where India's first Defence Minister Sardar Baldev Singh welcomed the President and Guest of Honour. Later, around 15,000 people inside the stadium witnessed the hoisting of the Indian National Flag and singing of the National Anthem.
Among the guests were foreign ambassadors, princes, Members of the Constituent Assembly, representatives of various provinces of India, school students, government servants and others.
This was followed by a march past of the defence forces—contingents drawn from the Indian Army, Air Force, and the Navy. There were also contingents from Delhi Police, and bands of the three services. A fly past by Indian Air Force's Liberator aircraft was also another memorable spectacle.
The day ended with the outgoing Governor General hosting a dinner at the Government House for the President, cabinet ministers and other guests. Important government buildings, mosques and temples were decked up for the evening.
The days events were captured by the media with bold front-page stories in the nation’s leading dailies the next day. While the Times of India had a banner headline "India Proclaimed Sovereign Democratic Republic," the Indian Express' went with "India Declared Sovereign Democratic Republic" with a Madras-datelined story talking about how the city had been turned into "City of Lights" thanks to the illumination of buildings in the city to celebrate the day. The Hindu in its editorial said, "For Republican India it is as necessary, as it was for India struggling to be free, to keep the crusading spirit alive. Only, the crusade must be turned against the enemy within. The Constitution has provided us with the shell of democracy. It is up to us to invoke life into it."
2014: Expenditure
Centre spent Rs 320 crore on R-Day in 2014: RTI Priyangi AgarwalThe Times of India Jan 25 2015 Bareilly:
Ever wondered how much the Republic Day ceremony at Rajpath, with all its smart marches, colourful tableaus and performing artistes, costs to put together? A query under the RTI Act has elicited a response from the Central Public Works Department that says the Centre spent Rs 320 crore on the four-hour parade in 2014. Over the years, the expenses have risen substantially . In 2001, the expenditure was Rs 145 crore.
Pawan Agrawal, a Moradabad-based RTI activist, had last year sought details on the expenses incurred on I-Day and R-Day functions at the Red Fort from 2000 to 2013. The response to his query , however, only contained details of expenses on Republic Day celebrations.
The Rs 145 crore incurred in the financial year 2000-01 rose to Rs 226 crore in 2003-04. For the next three years, though, expenditure decreased somewhat, in step with a not-sohealthy economy . In 2006-07, the government spent Rs 149 crore, before the sum rapidly climbing up to Rs 320 crore in 2014.
2015: Highlights
US President Barack Obama was chief guest at India's Republic Day parade, a spectacular projection of the nation's military might and cultural diversity.
Every year state governments and ministries are selected to create tableaux on different themes, which in 2015 included Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" campaign to boost the country's manufacturing industry and create much-needed jobs.
In 2015 the tableaux also highlighted national achievements such as the launch of India's first space mission to Mars.
One show-stopper was the Border Security Force (BSF) on their brightly-decorated camels — one of only a few military forces in the world to use the animals.
The grand finale was a display of daring motorcycle stunts by the BSF, famed for their formation of a human pyramid on moving bikes, followed by a spectacular fly-past by the Indian Air Force that leaves a smoke-trail of the orange, white and green national flag.
What was new
All-female units from the Army, Navy and Air Force will march for the first time in this year's parade, which will feature 25 tableaux -- five more than in 2014.
Security was particularly tight this year, with roads sealed off and the metro shut down for the duration of the parade. Snipers will be posted on rooftops along the parade route, while helicopters and surveillance drones monitor from above. Some 400 kilometres (250 miles) around the venue has been declared a no-fly zone and 15,000 new CCTV cameras have been installed.
President Obama
Obama breaks 2 traditions at R-Day parade The Times of India Jan 27 2015
Obama broke two traditions -one Indian and one American -on Monday.The Indian President and the chief guest always arrive for the parade in the President's vehicle. But Obama turned up in his custommade Beast, which has armour plating and five-inch thick bulletproof windows, instead of President Mukherjee's armoured Black Mercedes Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard. Obama also ignored US secret service protocol that he not spend more than 45 minutes at any open-air venue. He was at Rajpath for over two hours.
India connect
January 16, 2015
The 44th US President is our 66th Republic Day chief guest.Here's more to Obama's India connect
LUCKY CHARM
Barack Obama carries with him a tiny figurine of Hanuman.This gladdened Hindu hearts so much that in 2008, a dozen priests in Delhi chanted to the monkey god to grant Obama victory in the elections.
DESTINATION INDIA
This is the third time Obama is visiting India: he first came as a student; in 2010, when he called the US-India relationship to be the "defining partnership of the 21st century", and also hosted a town hall meeting at St Xavier's College,Mumbai
DIWALI NIGHTS
Ever since he took office, the President and the First Lady have welcomed guests to the White House for Diwali celebrations, which start with lighting of a diya in the White House.
YOUNG INDIA
One of the things that he admires about India is the potential of its vast young population,mostly below 30.
CULTURE VULTURES
The US First Lady Michelle Obama is known to be a collector of iconic Indian art: Ganesha,Patachitra scrolls of Bengal and Madhubani paintings of Bihar. She also enjoys dancing to Bollywood music.
MAHATMA CONNECT
As an African-American, he has a 'personal'connection with India.An admirer of Mahatma Gandhi, he has a portrait of Gandhi in his senate office. Often draws comparisons between the plight of his immigrant father from Kenya and that of Indian immigrants.
FRIENDS AND MORE
Obama has shown support for Indian-Americans by appointing many of them to high public offices in the US such as Vinai K.Thummalapally and Aneesh Chopra among many others.
2020
Army honours
January 26, 2021: The Times of India
The nation’s second-highest wartime gallantry medal Maha Vir Chakra has been posthumously awarded to Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu, while another four soldiers who laid down their lives fighting the numerically superior Chinese troops at Galwan Valley have been conferred with Vir Chakras.
In this year’s R-Day list of 455 gallantry medals and other decorations, Naib Subedar Nuduram Soren (16 Bihar), Havaldar K Palani (81 Field Regiment), Naik Deepak Singh (Army Medical Corps) and Sepoy Gurtej Singh (3 Punjab) have been posthumously awarded Vir Chakras. Havaldar Tejinder Singh (3 medium Regiment), in turn, is the fifth recipient of the medal for the Galwan clash under “Operation Snow Leopard” in June last year.
Kirti Chakra, the peacetime equivalent to Maha Vir Chakra, has been posthumously conferred on Subedar Sanjiv Kumar (4 Para-Special Forces) for killing terrorists during a major infiltration bid in the Keran sector along the Line of Control in April last year.
The other four Kirti Chakra awardees are from CRPF, with inspector Pintu Kumar Singh, head constable Shyam Narain Singh Yadava and constable Vinod Kumar getting it posthumously. The fourth is deputy commandant Rahul Mathur.
Col Babu, the commanding officer of 16 Bihar, and 19 other soldiers were killed during the violent skirmish with the People’s Liberation Army on June 15.
Recalling Col Babu’s bravery, the citation said: “While holding the position, his column faced stiff resistance from the adversary who attacked using lethal and sharp weapons (nail-studded rods) along with heavy stone pelting from adjoining heights. Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, Col Babu in true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to pushback Indian troops,” it said.
“In the skirmish that broke out and ensuing hand-to-hand combat with enemy soldiers, he valiantly resisted the enemy attack till his last breath, inspiring and motivating his troops to hold ground,” it said.
Police awards
Bharti Jain, January 26, 2021: The Times of India
Pulwama attack martyr and CRPF assistant sub-inspector Mohan Lal was conferred the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) on Republic Day eve for being the first to spot the explosives-laden car moving alongside the CRPF convoy on February 14, 2019 and having fired to stop the vehicle before it rammed into a bus in the convoy.
Mohan Lal was among the 40 CRPF personnel killed in the suicide terror attack. The attack had led the Indian Air Force to retaliate with crossborder air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad facilities in Balakot deep inside Pakistan.
A total 946 police medals were announced on the eve of Republic Day, which include 2 PPMG, 205 Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG), 89 President’s Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Service and 650 Police Medal (PM) for Meritorious Service.
CRPF bagged the highest number of police medals at 132, followed by UP police (97), BSF and J&K police (71 each).
Among the 207 gallantry awards winners, 137 were awarded for action in J&K, 24 in Left-wing extremism-affected areas and one in the northeast. As many as 69 personnel recognised for gallantry are from CRPF, 52 from J&K police, 20 from BSF, 17 from Delhi Police, 13 from Maharashtra police and 8 each are from Chhattisgarh and UP police. Of the 69 gallantry medals that went to CRPF, 61 were for operations in J&K and 8 in Leftwing extremism-hit areas. In fact, J&K police and CRPF together bagged 113 or nearly 55% of the total 207 gallantry medals awarded this R-Day, for operations in J&K theatre.
The CBI received 31 police medals for distinguished/ meritorious service, IB 34, RPF 16 and NIA 6.
The second PPMG, the highest category of police gallantry awards, went posthumously to Banua Oraon, ASI in Jharkhand police, who succumbed to injuries suffered during an encounter with Maoists in Seraikella district in June 2018. The Maoists had to retreat in wake of the nearly three-hour long encounter.
Mohan Lal was performing the duties of picket commander of a road opening party at Lethpora, Pulwama on February 14, 2019 when he noticed a car moving alongside the convoy and trying to enter between the convoy vehicles. Sensing something suspicious, he signalled and chased the car to stop before firing at it. The car rammed into a CRPF bus of the convoy, leading to a huge explosion.
See also
Republic Day, India <>Republic Day, India: 1950 <> Republic Day, India: Guests of Honour, 1951-69 <> Republic Day, India: Guests of Honour, 1970-79 <> Republic Day, India: Guests of Honour, 1980-89 <> Republic Day, India: Guests of Honour, 1990-99 <> Republic Day, India: Guests of Honour, 2000-09<> Republic Day, India: Guests of Honour, 2010-19
