January 26, 1950: How India observed its first Republic Day

On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, we look back at the chilly January morning in 1950, when India became a republic.

by TAUHID SHAH: January 26: Friday: 11:05 PM| 2024 Updated.

On January 26, 1950, India officially became the Republic of India after more than two years of gaining independence. This marked a crucial moment in the country’s history, as it transitioned into a sovereign democratic republic, ready to forge its path.

Approaching the 75th Republic Day, let’s reflect on that clear January morning in 1950 when India embraced its new republic status.

After gaining independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, India continued as a British dominion for over two years, following the Government of India Act of 1935. However, everything changed on January 26, 1950, when the new Constitution of India took precedence, replacing the Act of 1935 as the primary governing document. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India, marking the end of the British monarch’s ceremonial role. The Constituent Assembly, responsible for drafting the constitution over three years, transformed into the Parliament of India until the first general elections in 1951-52.

Military parades, once symbols of colonial might, became a tradition for the nascent republic. Since 1950, Republic Day commemorations have featured a grand military parade in New Delhi. The first parade took place at the Irwin Amphitheater, opposite the Purana Qila, now known as the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. President Dr. Rajendra Prasad presided over the parade, with Indonesian President Sukarno as the distinguished guest. Over 3,000 armed forces personnel marched, showcasing contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Delhi Police.

Following the presidential inspection, a 31-gun salute and formal celebratory gunfire known as ‘Feu-de-joie’ added to the spectacle. The Indian Air Force’s Liberator planes soared overhead, concluding the event. The President’s horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard on horseback, became a tradition that continues to this day. After the Bodyguard’s salute, Dr. Prasad journeyed back to Rashtrapati Bhawan, formerly known as Government House. Historian Ramachandra Guha aptly captured the significance, stating, “Gandhi’s India was proclaiming itself as a sovereign nation-state.”

While January 26 was a day of celebration, the leaders of the new nation recognized the challenges. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, chair of the Constituent Assembly’s drafting committee, highlighted the contradictions in his final speech on November 26, 1949:

“On the 26th of January 1950, we are embarking upon a life of contradictions. In politics, equality will reign, but in social and economic spheres, inequality will persist… We must rectify this incongruity at the earliest juncture, or else those grappling with inequality will dismantle the edifice of political democracy painstakingly erected by this Assembly.”

As India commemorates its Republic Day, it’s essential to remember the journey, the traditions, and the challenges that have shaped the nation.