India, celebrating 76 years as a proud democratic republic

As the tricolored flag unfurls on the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi on 26 January this year, heralding the 76th Republic Day of India, the 1.4 billion people of the nation look back with pride on the country’s glorious past and look forward with hope to a promising future. While the achievements and development over the past three-quarters of a century are a matter of pride to every citizen, they are also fully aware of the multiple challenges that the country will need to overcome to realize its ambitious vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence in 1947.

The 26th of January this year is especially poignant as it marks the 75th anniversary of adoption of the Indian Constitution on this day in 1950. From this day, 76 years ago, the Indian Constitution became the governing document of the nation, replacing the erstwhile Government of India Act passed by the British Parliament in 1935. The promulgation of the Constitution also marked the country’s transition from a dominion of the British Commonwealth of Nations to a sovereign democratic republic based on the concepts of socialism and secularism.

Two weeks after India became independent on 15 August 1947, the Constituent Assembly, the Provisional Parliament of independent India formed a seven-member Constitution Drafting Committee, headed by legal luminary Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to draft a constitution for the newly independent country. The drafting committee submitted a draft constitution to the Assembly, which was adopted on 26 November,1949. Two months later on 26 January, the new Constitution of India came into force.

The Indian Constitution is the supreme legal document of India, and encompasses the framework that demarcates fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. The document assures citizens of India justice, equality, and liberty, and endeavours to promote fraternity among all.

The theme for this year’s Republic Day, ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (‘Golden India: Heritage and Development’), aptly reflects the dual facets of India’s identity—its rich cultural legacy and its continuous endeavors in development and progress.

As is customary, a grand parade along Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) in the national capital, New Delhi, will be the centerpiece of celebrations marking Republic Day this year. In keeping with the 2025 Republic Day theme, the grand military parade will be followed by a vibrant cultural tableaux representing various states of India, showcasing the country’s diverse cultural heritage, its unique traditions and achievements.

The parade will also highlight the significant strides that India has made in social and economic development over the past 76 years, as well as the latest advancements in technology and in defense capabilities. In particular, this year’s tableaux is expected to display the significant advancements India has made in space technology, renewable energy, and digital innovation, underscoring the theme of development.

Republic Day also underscores the importance of education and the younger generation’s role in nation-building. In addition to the participation of children and youth in the national parade on Republic Day, schools and colleges across the country conduct various patriotic programs and cultural performances to commemorate the day.

Every year, a head of state or government is invited as the chief guest for the celebrations. An earlier official announcement from the Indian External Affairs Ministry stated: “At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Prabowo Subianto will pay a State Visit to India from 25-26 January 2025. President Prabowo will also be the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.”

During the ceremony, the President of India will confer various prestigious awards such as the Padma Awards and the Bharat Ratna to honor the exceptional contributions of individuals in diverse fields.

Reflecting on 75 years as a republic allows the nation to remember its struggles, celebrate its victories, and cherish its milestones. The journey from a newly independent nation grappling with challenges of partition and poverty, to an emerging global power with significant contributions in fields like information technology, space research, and sustainable development, is nothing short of remarkable.

As India looks ahead, the aspirations of its 1.4 billion citizens are buoyed by relentless innovation and a deep-rooted respect for its ancient culture. The hope is for an India that blends tradition with modernity, ensuring inclusive growth and harmony among its diverse populace. India’s 76th Republic Day is more than a commemoration of historical events—it is a celebration of the spirit that binds this nation. A spirit that embraces diversity, fosters unity, and looks forward to an even brighter future.