Dawning of india’s constitution: republic day
India currently is unfurling a saga of more than a billion individuals, specifically one-sixth of the globe’s population. The nation of gigantic sub-continent, wide-ranging and multifaceted in its magnificent heritage, epitomises one of the most ancient civilisations of the world.
Advertisement
India has a distinctive, unsurpassed and extraordinary medley of religions, languages and cultures. She adorns a crown of snow and bewitching charms that hang on her slender wrists. From the inscriptions carved on the walls of caves to the waters of the tireless rivers and echoes from the splendid colossal mountains, she is a personification of prayer for her patriots.
Mark Twain, an American author, expressed his admiration for the invincible soul of India as: “All men long to see, and having seen it once, would not give up that glimpse for all the wonders of the world.”
This beauty that is India, marched through her shackles and made a bid for freedom for an extensive period of time. Some of the most soul-stirring writings and songs have been dedicated to India during her phase of struggle.
Even though struggle is a never-ending process, India witnessed her glorious moment on the midnight of August 15, 1947, the day she attained independence and left her natives berserk with merriment. It was nearly three years later, on January 26, 1950, when independent India celebrated one of the most important days in her history: Republic Day.
This day marked the onset of India’s Constitution. It was then that a truly sovereign state blossomed just like that of her national flower; lotus. It was also on January 26, 1950, the day India emerged as a democratic republic nation, that the national emblem of India was adopted. National emblem of India, is a close reproduction of “Sarnath Lion Capital”, which was established by Emperor Ashoka, around 250 B.C. it has four Asiatic lions standing back to back on a circular abacus. The national emblem of India symbolises power, pride, courage and confidence. At the foot of the emblem is inscribed: “Satyameva Jayate”, which means: “Truth Alone Triumphs”. It has been derived from the Mundaka Upanishad, the concluding part of the sacred Hindu Vedas.
Similarly, the Indian flag and its colours hold a significant symbolism to the country. The colour orange represents courage and sacrifice, green symbolizes faith and chivalry, and white idealises peace and truth. The Buddhist spinning wheel (Ashoka Chakra) at the centre contains 24 spokes in the centre, which represents the 24 precious hours of a day.
National emblem of India
Seeds for India’s Republic
The seeds for India’s republic were sown by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and he was earnestly supported by other freedom fighters/political leaders, namely, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The implementation of the constitution transformed India into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
The civil liberties of its people, at last acquired a stable arrangement. Wherein, the citizens are considered equal and free, and the government is led by the candidates, elected by the country’s residents. The constitution of India was drafted by the chairman of the drafting committee, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Republic Day of India is one of the most momentous national events and it is celebrated with great pride and honour.
A high-volume and breathtaking event is organised every year, in the national capital, New Delhi. The traditional and cultural belief of India, “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which translates to “Guest is equivalent to God”, is keenly followed even on the Republic Day, whereby, persistently every year, India requests a chief guest from another country (prime minister, president, king etc.) to come for the republic day celebration and enhance the joy.
A majestic parade is held by the Indian Army, to pay honour to the Indian flag at the India Gate, New Delhi, before the chief guest from abroad and the Indian Prime Minister. This is accompanied by a demonstration of prowess by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force along with traditional dance troupes by Indian states, cultural activities by the students etc. A salute is given by the President of India to the Indian Army during the parade.
A floral tribute is offered by the Prime Minister of India at the India Gate, to honour the lives of those gallant and valiant soldiers who died for their country. Furthermore, a fly past event is undertaken by the Indian armed forces, through fighter planes who shower rose petals. This is followed by the recitation of the Indian national anthem, which was written by Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore.
India’s 68th Republic Day
This year is India’s 68th Republic Day and in the past years India has grown gradually and massively; economically, socially and formed affable associations with many countries of the world. For instance, India has a very respectable pleasant relationship with Ghana. As a matter of fact, India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, shared a strong bond of friendship. Although, a lot of that credit goes to Ghanaians as well, since they are so friendly and jovial. I can vouch for that genuine trait of Ghanaians myself. I’m merely two and a half years old in Ghana, and have had the privilege to stay in three other continents of the world as well. Yet, I can firmly assure that I’ve personally felt the most warmth and courteousness here.
In many ways Ghana has become very dear to me and has sneakily created its exclusive place in my heart. Here, I’ve been blessed with family away from family, home away from home. And I’m sure these feelings are mutual to all those who came to this country and became its own. Such is the grandeur of acceptance, of Mother Ghana, that the Indians who came here decades ago still have their roots here.
Ghana has its own uncanny way of captivating those who come here and are enthralled by the love that it exudes. Let us all pray for global unity and love instead of just within the countries, because a soul has no caste, religion or nationality. Let us all believe and see ourselves as global citizens, because when we walk hand in hand, we build a world, which is a much better place for ourselves and for our future generations.
As the current Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, says, “collective efforts inclusive growth”. There is no way to love, but love is the way.
A very happy Republic Day to India, as well as all her admirers and well-wishers.
