Republic Day of India Through the Lenses of History
India gained independence from British rule in 1947, marking a pivotal moment in its history. However, it wasn't until 1950 that India truly embraced full sovereignty and officially became a republic. Since then, January 26 has been celebrated annually as Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of India as a democratic republic. This significant day is observed with grand festivities, symbolising the nation's commitment to democracy, unity, and the values enshrined in its constitution.
Take a stroll down memory lane as we revisit the heartwarming moments of India's Republic Day celebrations from 1950 onwards. From the day the Constitution was born, each year has been a canvas of colours, showcasing our unity, diversity, and the strong spirit that makes us proud Indians. In this article, we've gathered snapshots that capture the joy, pride, and changes in the way we celebrate this special day.
President Rajendra Prasad, in a horse-drawn carriage, prepares to participate in the inaugural Republic Day parade on Rajpath in New Delhi, on January 26, 1950.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (7th from the right) among dignitaries at India's first Republic Day parade on January 26, 1950.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The inaugural Republic Day Parade outside the 16th-century Old Fort in New Delhi, 1950.
Photo: Facebook/Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first president, saluted during the inaugural Republic Day parade on Rajpath in Delhi, on January 26, 1950.
Photo: @GujaratHistor
Former President Rajendra Prasad rides with Chief Guest President Sukarno of Indonesia from Vijay Chowk during the first Republic Day in 1950.
Photo: Twitter/@U_pasana
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with the inaugural President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, at Rashtrapati Bhavan's forecourt on the first Republic Day in 1950.
Photo: Twitter/@RBArchive
President Rajendra Prasad saluted during the Republic Day parade in 1956.
Photo: Getty
26 January 1957 Republic Day at the Red Fort in New Delhi
Photo: Getty
26 January 1960 Republic Day Celebration
Photo: Getty
Dr Rajendra Prasad with Guest of Honor Queen Elizabeth II at Republic Day celebrations in 1961.
Photo: Indpaedia
President Dr Rajendra Prasad with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, chief guests at the Republic Day parade on Rajpath, New Delhi, January 26, 1961.
Photo: Getty
26 January, 1961 Republic Day Parade
Photo Getty
On India's 11th Republic Day, January 26, 1961, a troupe of young girls playing instruments and dancing during the march past in Delhi.
Photo: Getty
On January 26, 1961, spectators gathered in New Delhi for Republic Day celebrations.
Photo: Getty
In 1965, a military parade marched on Rajpath in New Delhi as part of Republic Day celebrations.
Photo: Getty
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi joined Alexei Kosygin of the USSR and former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, with his wife, during Republic Day celebrations on January 28, 1968.
Photo: Getty
President V. V. Giri of India, President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, and other dignitaries at the Republic Day Parade, 26 January 1971.
Photo:Wikimedia.org
Snapshot of the Republic Day Parade, 26 January 1985
Photo: twitter.IndiaHistorypic
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee paid homage to brave soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, on January 26, 2004.
Photo: PMO Archive archivepmo.nic.in
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President, saluted during the Republic Day Parade-2005 in New Delhi on January 26, 2005.
Photo: PMO Archive archivepmo.nic.in
Defense Minister Shri A K Antony welcomes Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in attendance, during the 58th Republic Day Parade-2007 in New Delhi on January 26, 2007.
Photo: PMO Archive archivepmo.nic.in
A bird's-eye view of the Indian defence forces' contingents participating in the march past during the 64th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.
Photo: rediff.com
President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, alongside Chief Guest Prime Minister of Japan Mr Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, and other esteemed guests, at the 65th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, 2014.
Photo: PMO Archive archivepmo.nic.in
Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the special guest, US President Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama at the 'At Home' reception during the 66th Republic Day Parade at Rajghat in New Delhi on January 26, 2015.
Photo: wikimedia.org
74th Republic Day Parade in Delhi 26 January 2023
Republic Day isn't just a date on the calendar; it's a day when the love for our country comes to life. These pictures aren't just images; they're windows into India's soul, showing how we've faced challenges, embraced change, and emerged even stronger.
Looking back at these simple yet powerful images, let's not just celebrate our achievements but also think about the responsibilities that come with the freedom we cherish. May the spirit of Republic Day keep inspiring us, and may these pictures remind us of the unbreakable bond we share as a nation. Jai Hind!
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