Republic Day commemorates Indian Constitution

In July 1947, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act partitioning Pakistan and India, thus kick starting the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, but giving India its independence. Under the Act, India became a constitutional monarchy under King George VI, with Lord Mountbatten acting as governor-general. Mountbatten’s position, however, was largely ceremonial, and actual local authority rested in the hands of prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. With the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, British rule ended completely, and sovereignty fell entirely under the governance of India’s own parliament.

India’s constitution is one of the world’s largest, with 395 articles, 12 schedules, and 90 amendments. It draws heavily upon British parliamentary democracy and principles adopted from the American Constitution. Moreover, it includes a detailed list of “fundamental rights,” a lengthy list of “directive principles of state policy,” goals that the state is obligated to promote, though with no specified timetable for their accomplishment, (an idea taken from the Irish constitution), and a much shorter list of “fundamental duties” of the citizen.

Agreeing on the contents of the constitution was not to be achieved overnight. A draft Constitution was submitted to the Assembly as early as November 1947, but it took 166 days of meetings (open to the public), spread over a period of nearly three years before adoption was final. The 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, it came into effect throughout the whole nation.

The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath (ceremonial boulevard) before the President of India. It consists of a parade with bands, colorfully dressed dancers, and military displays, including a fly-by of the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran (“Rays of the Sun”) aerobatic team. Traditionally, a special guest is invited every year; for 2017, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will be the chief guest.

Those who want to celebrate Republic Day in the Bay Area can visit the Festival of Globe (FOG) 68th Republic Day celebration in Santa Clara. There will be a dance competition, kids’ fashion show, and many cultural performances.

Festival of Globe (FOG) Republic Day Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017

11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Santa Clara Convention Center Theater

5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara

For dance competition: (408) 800-5237

Info: vidya.sethuraman@fogsv.org

Ritu Maheshwari (510) 304-5619