Rekindling GANTANTRA: the Story and its Relevance

Hey! A very Happy Republic Day. Have you ever wondered that what the word "REPUBLIC" signifies? OR If the constitution of India was prepared by November 26, 1949, then why was it enacted on January 26, 1950? OR What exactly do we celebrate on Republic Day? We are cherishing our 76th Republic Day this January of '25 and it feels blue that most of the Indians do not have answers to the prior stated queries. This blog is thus basically centered on the idea, the backdrop and the thought, "REJOICING NATIONHOOD: UNDERSTANDING REPUBLIC DAY".

Ergo, let's explore these worthwhile and invaluable insights from the legendary past of Indian Freedom Struggle. At the outset let us first delve into the meaning and salience of the word REPUBLIC.

The term 'Republic' in the preamble of India refers to a state where the head of state is elected by the people. This means that the head of state is not a hereditary monarch but is instead elected for a fixed term. Apart from this learned connotation, the word Republic holds deeper implications.

A REPUBLIC is not just a negation of that quaint institution called monarchy; it is a rejection of arbitrary power in all its forms: political, social and economic. Republicanism connects to deep political and intellectual tradition. It recalls the key value of our freedom struggle - SWARAJ in all dimensions of life.

NOW, let us find the reason of enacting our constitution on JANUARY 26 only and not on November 26 or any other day. May be this date embraces something imperative and recall worth from the Indian freedom struggle. Henceforth, the narrative goes like this:

PT. JAWAHARLAL NEHRU presided over the LAHORE SESSION of Indian National Congress in December1929. He declared POORNA SWARAJ and specified January 26 as the SWARAJ DIVAS and that every year Indians will celebrate their SWARAJ every year. This was a pivotal moment as it marked a shift from seeking dominion status to demanding complete independence. This speaks for the HISTORICAL LEGACY of January 26. Since India got its Independence on August 15,1947, to uphold and sustain the bequest and pertinence of January 26 and to make Indian people always recall the significance of SWARAJ DIWAS, the Constitution of India was enacted on January 26, 1950.

Feels amazing, no? This fact was in there in my history book of class 7. My father once asked me if I knew this remarkable tale and I had then proudly recited my newly learned fact. I always wanted to tell this recital to all and here I am realizing my goal 6 years later.

Okay coming back to our regard; What do we actually celebrate on Republic Day and why being a REPUBLIC is Fundamental to the SOVEREIGNTY of India? I think the term Sovereignty in the question stated, itself gave all the answers. On Republic Day we celebrate INDIA as a sovereign state. We celebrate our own Constitution made by our people for us. We celebrate our freedom, our rights, our duties, our brotherhood, our preamble, and most importantly our Nation and all that constitutes it, makes it our Motherland, our Haven. We also celebrate the sacrifices and endeavors made by our Freedom fighters to gift us our own constitution and our own rule, our harmony.

Being a republic is fundamental to India's identity as a democratic, just and sovereign state. It ensures that the power rests with the people, their rights and freedom are safeguarded and abstention of autocratic or foreign rule.

Even so, Republic Day must not be only about going through the motions of sarkari rituals but about reigniting the spirit of republicanism. Following is a picture of a part of a newspaper article which will help you to understand and feel this spirit.

As Indians we need to come together to celebrate, honor and value the spirit of democracy and the unyielding bond that unites us. So, let us stand together hand in hand, with gleaming hearts and celebrate Republic Day with pride and passion. Let us reaffirm our dedication and duties to our radiant BHARAT, and let the spirit of democracy, integrity, fraternity, sovereignty and unity reflect brightly in our hearts, today and always.