Context

India celebrated its 75th Republic Day on 26th January, 2024.

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About Republic Day 2024

• Theme of Republic Day 2024: The theme for the 75th Republic Day 2024 – ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’.
  • It reflects women’s integral role in India’s development and progress.
• Chief Guest of Republic Day 2024: The Chief Guest for the Republic Day events in 2024 was the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
• Women Contingent: The parade was all women-centric. For the first time, it included 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, Nagada, etc.
  • To promote gender equality and women empowerment, the 2024 Republic Day featured the women contingent of Delhi Police.
  • An all-women Tri-Service Contingent marched the Kartavya Path for the first time. Paramilitary contingent also involved women.
• Foreign Contingent: The French participants consisted of a 33-member band contingent and a 95-member marching contingent.
• Special Guests: The government also invited 1,500 farmers and their spouses as special guests for the Republic Day Parade 2024.
  • They include members of Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs), and also beneficiaries of PM-KISAN and micro irrigation schemes.

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Major Republic Day Tableau showcased at Kartavya Path

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Background: Republic 

• Republic is a type of a state in which political power rests with the public (citizens) through their representatives.
• In the Republic form of government, the head of the State, who is usually the President, is elected (directly or indirectly) by the people and not hereditary.

Republic Day of India

• About: Republic Day of India marks the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. 
• Origin:
  • After India became independent through the Indian Independence Act 1947, it became a constitutional monarchy with George VI as head of state and Lord Mountbatten as governor-general.

• • The independent government decided that a separate constitution will be adopted for governing the nation. For that purpose, the constituent assembly was set up.
  • The constituent assembly appointed Dr B R Ambedkar as the chairman of the drafting committee of the Indian constitution.
  • A draft constitution was prepared and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947. After discussions, which spanned two years, 11 months, and 17 days, a consensus was reached.
  • The Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian constitution on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950.
  • Thus, the Indian constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, turning the nation from a dominion into a republic.
  • The 26th of January was chosen as the Republic Day as it was on that day in 1930 when the ‘Poorna Swaraj’ was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress at the Lahore Session.

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Events on Republic Day 2024

Here are some major events scheduled for Republic Day 2024;

• Address by the President of India: 

• • On the day prior to the Republic Day, the President of India addresses the nation. The address will outline India’s achievements and path for the future.

• Declaration of Awards

• • Usually, the Government of India declares Padma Awards to the civilians of India on the eve of the Republic Day.
  • These awards include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards include a Certificate issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion.

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• Laying the Wreath:

• • Before the parade begins, the prime minister of India lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti and takes a moment of silence to commemorate fallen soldiers.

• Unfurling of National Flag

• • The President of India will unfurl the national flag at Kartavya path. This will be followed by the playing of the National Anthem and a 21-Gun Salute.

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• Republic Day Parade:

• • The Ministry of Defence organises Republic Day parade in New Delhi to mark the occasion. The parade and related events last for three days.
  • The parade begins from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence), Raisina Hill on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath) past the India Gate.
  • The parade is an event to showcase India’s Defence Capability, Cultural and Social Heritage. It includes tableaux from various states and government organisations, and also cultural performance by school students and artists.
  • The Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Airforce, paramilitary forces, special forces and police forces take part in the parade.
  • The main attraction in the parade is the foreign dignitary, who will be attending the parade as the chief guest for the events.

• At Home Reception:

• • At Home Reception is the key feature of both Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, where the President invites dignitaries to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • The invitees include the Prime Minister, his council of ministers, top officials and also visiting foreign dignitaries.
  • The event presents an opportunity for people from various walks to meet the Prime Minister and the President and to interact with each other.

• Beating Retreat Ceremony

• • The Beating Retreat ceremony officially signifies the end of Republic Day festivities. Every year, it is held on the evening of 29 January, the third day after the Republic Day.
  • It includes a performance by the bands of the three wings of the defence forces, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The venue is Raisina Hill and an adjacent square, Vijay Chowk.
  • During the ceremony, popular tunes like Vande Mataram, Vaishnava Jana To, Saare Jahan Se Achcha, Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo etc, along with the National Anthem, are performed.

Significance of Republic Day 2024

• Celebrate Adoption of Constitution: The Republic Day celebrates coming into force of the Indian constitution. 
• Beginning of Indian Presidentship: It was on 26th January 1950 that the position of President of India came into effect.
• Commitment to Constitutional Principles: The Republic Day displays our strong commitment to constitutional principles of justice, liberty and equality.

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• Democratic Rights: The Republic Day put our focus on democratic values, which are the building blocks of our nation and the civil society.
• Showcase our Culture and Heritage: Republic Day is an opportunity to showcase our varied heritage, promoting a feeling of pride and oneness.
• Creating Awareness: Republic Day is used as an event to teach students about our Constitution, and the struggles for India’s independence.
• Foreign Policy: The selection of Foreign Guests for Republic Day celebrations indicates India’s foreign standing and its future vision.
• Defence Power: The Republic Day provides the opportunity to display the military strength of our country in the form of weapons and defence personnel.