Republic Day
- PC : MRP
India is going to celebrate its 71st Republic Day on January 26, 2020. The preparations for the Republic day is on full swing. The parade takes place every year at Rajpath, New Delhi.
The Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act (1935). To honour that day Republic day was formed and it has been held every year since.
The first-ever Republic Day parade was held in 1950 which took place at the 'British Stadium' in front of 'Old Fort'. Today there is a zoo in Delhi and the National Stadium is present in the place of the stadium.
As soon as the first President of the country Dr Rajendra Prasad waved the national flag for the first time in Republic India, the parade began. The first salute was given by the cannons which echoed the Old Fort. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of the country, was also present there, along with C. Rajagopalachari, who was appointed as Governor-General in place of Lord Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy.
The Republic Day Parade in 1950 was not as grand as it is today, but it was still capable of making a mark in itself and memorable in the hearts of Indians.
Some contingents of Indian Navy, Indian Airforce and Indian Army took part in the parade at that time. At that time the parade took place in the stadium. Aeroplanes like jets or thunderbolts were replaced by smaller aircraft such as the Dakota and Spitfire.
General Field Marshal Cariappa was the first chief of the Indian armies and awarded several medals in the British-Indian Army. He had told a troop of soldiers in Hindi, "Today we are also free, you are also free and our dog is also free". His voice created a different atmosphere of passion there.
On the first Republic Day, Chandni Chowk has decorated with many colours. From the 'Lal Mandir' to the 'Fatehpuri Mosque', crowds of people were present with garlands and National flag in their hands.
Sir Henry Gidney had given a memorable statement at the time, which cannot be denied. He said that India is the land where civilization had reached its peak, now it will move towards achieving that civilization again. Henry was born in 1873 and took part in the British campaign in Northeast India.
