Mere Watan Ke Logon – Learn Some Interesting Facts About Republic Day

I would like to start this blog by wishing all my readers a very happy and prosperous 72nd Republic Day. India is always known for its diversity and cultural ethnicity across the globe, and we cherish every part of it by feeling proud when we see our flag furling high.

Let’s learn some interesting facts about our country and constitution.

1. Do you know the significance of this day in our lives?

Learn about Purna Swaraj Day

Earlier, January 26, 1930, was celebrated as Purna Swaraj Day or Independence Day. As per historical information, it is the day India decided to get freedom. This day marks the replacement of the Government of India Act 1935 with the Constitution of India. This date was specially selected to bring the Constitution into force.

2. The world’s longest-written constitution!!

Well, yes, you heard right! A team of intellectual personalities drafted our constitution, and it contains 448 articles, which are grouped into 25 parts with 12 schedules and five appendices, amended 103 times. On 14 January 2019, the latest amendment became effective.

Team of intellectual personalities and chairman committee members-

• Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Chairman

• KM Munshi (Ex-Home Minister, Bombay)

• Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer (Ex-Advocate General, Madras State)

• N Gopalaswami Iyengar (Ex-Prime Minister, J&K, member of Nehru Cabinet)

• B L Mitter (Ex-Advocate General, India)

• Md.. Saadullah (Ex-Chief Minister of Assam, Muslim League member)

• D P Khaitan (lawyer)

Benegal Narsing Rau as a constitutional advisor (first Indian judge in an international court of justice in 1950)

Babasaheb Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, presented the final draft of the Indian constitution to Constituent Assembly president Rajendra Prasad on 25 November 1949

3. Learn about the time taken to frame our constitution and the different versions available!

Drafting the Constitution was an arduous task. It took two years and 11 months to draft the constitution.

Our constitution is written in Hindi and English language.

4. Original constitution:

In Hindi and English, India’s original constitution was handwritten and calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada.

In this process, according to the Prem foundation, 432 pen holder nibs were used, and #303 nibs came in use for calligraphy.

Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose decorated each page border. Border illustrations represent styles from different civilizations of the subcontinent ranging from prehistoric Mohenjo-Daro to Indus valley civilization.

The original 1950 constitution is preserved in a helium-filled case at the Parliament House in New Delhi.

The original manuscript was written on a parchment sheet measuring 16*22 inches and with a lifespan of a thousand years.

The finished manuscript of the constitution consists of 251 pages and weighs 3.75 kg.

On November 26, 1949, the Indian constitution came into existence and got adopted.

5. The first Republic celebration and venue:

On 26 January 1950, we celebrated our first Republic Day, three years after independence. In Irwin Stadium (renamed as a national stadium), the first republic parade was held. The Rajpath became the permanent venue after the 1955 parade.

6. A Christian hymn: “Abide With Me.”

At the end of the Republic Day parade, a Christian hymn “Abide with me” is sung, which is written by a Scottish
Anglican Henry Francis Lyte. It is Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite song.

7. Countries from which the Indian constitution borrowed ideals

Major Sources of the Indian Constitution

Provisions	Source/country
Constitution of the United States	Preamble Fundamental Rights The federal structure of government Electoral College Independence of the judiciary and separation of powers among the three branches of the government Judicial review President as Supreme Commander of Armed Forces Equal protection under the law
British constitution	Parliamentary form of government The idea of single citizenship The idea of the Rule of law Writs Institution of Speaker and his role Lawmaking procedure The procedure established by Law
Canadian constitution	A quasi-federal form of government — a federal system with a strong central government Distribution of powers between the central government and state governments Residual powers retained by the central government
Irish constitution (Ireland)	Directive Principles of State Policy The nomination of members to the Rajya Sabha Method of Election of President
French constitution	Republic and the ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in the Preamble
Australian constitution	Freedom of trade and commerce within the country and between the states Power of the national legislature to make laws for implementing treaties, even on matters outside normal Federal jurisdiction Concurrent List
Constitution of Soviet Union (USSR)	Fundamental Duties under Article 51-A A Constitutionally mandated Planning Commission to oversee the development of the economy
Constitution of South Africa	Procedure for amendment Election of Rajya Sabha members
Constitution of Germany	Emergency powers to be enjoyed by the Union Suspension of Fundamental Rights During Emergency
Constitution of Japan	Procedure Established by Law
Government of India Act 1935	Federal Scheme Emergency Provisions Public Service Commissions Office of Governor Judiciary Administrative Details

8. Cost of making the constitution of India-

The original constitution took nearly five years to produce. On 26 January 1950, it became the law of India. The estimated cost of the Constituent Assembly was₹6.3 crore (₹63 million).

9. National awards-

National awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Param Veer Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, and Kriti Chakra are awarded at the Republic Day ceremony.

 

10. 21- Gun salute

On Republic Day, 21 gun salutes are given to mark the honor when the president of India hoists the national flag. Also, the national anthem takes 52 seconds to sing and play.

11. Beating Retreat Ceremony:

The celebration of Republic Day ends with a beating retreat ceremony with the Indian army, air force, and navy bands performing.

12. On Republic Day in the year 1965, the Hindi language was declared the national language of India.

13. Chief guests from a different country- Every year, a chief guest from a different country is invited.

Well, above are some unknown and interesting facts about our Republic Day celebration and constitution-making and enforcement. Circulate these facts among your friends and relatives. Enjoy the right, and freedom and feel proud to be a citizen of the world’s largest democracy. If you, too, have some interesting facts to share, go right ahead and tell us in the comment section below.

Jai hind!!

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