How Can Republic Day Inspire Us to Build a Viksit Bharat by India’s Centenary of Independence?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Celebrating Republic Day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoisted the Tricolour at his residence, emphasizing that this day serves as a pivotal moment to commit to transforming the nation into a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the time India marks a century of independence.
In remarks to the press, Om Birla stated, “January 26 is a proud day for every citizen of our country. On this Republic Day, I extend heartfelt wishes and congratulations to the people of India.”
He underscored the significance of the Constitution, saying, “Republic Day is a time to pledge adherence to the principles of the Indian Constitution and to advance our nation. Seventy-seven years ago, our Constitution was drafted, and today it remains one of the longest written constitutions globally. It continues to guide the citizens of our country.”
He added, “This is a moment to commit that by the time we celebrate 100 years of independence, India will emerge as a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Together, as a nation, we will strive to turn this vision into reality. With creativity, perseverance, and effort, we will achieve this ambition.”
Republic Day is annually observed on January 26 to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution, which is regarded as the highest law of the land that every citizen must uphold. Although India achieved independence on August 15, 1947, a constitution was not immediately available.
Initially, laws were based on common law and a modified version of the British-era Government of India Act, 1935. To rectify this, a Drafting Committee was established roughly two weeks post-independence, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman.
After thorough discussions, the Constitution of India was finalized and adopted on November 26, 1949, which is now commemorated as Constitution Day. It came into force on January 26, 1950, a date chosen as Republic Day to signify the official implementation of the Constitution.
While India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, it was the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, that formally declared the nation as a sovereign, democratic, and republican state, governed by constitutional values and the rule of law.