26th January! Indian Republic Day!!!

26th January i.e. Republic Day of India is the day when India announced herself as Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state. India got Independence from British rule on 15th August 1947 but on Republic Day Indian Constitution come into force. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first Prime Minister and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India.
26th January was picked for Indian Republic day as on the same date in 1927 Indian National Congress voted for absolute Independence.
26th January is one of the three national holidays in Indian with other two being 15th August (Independence Day) and 2nd October (Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi)

Indian Constitution:
First draft for Indian Constitution was submitted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on 4th November 1947 who was appointed as Chairman for the committee of 6 other members to form Indian Constitution. After numerous considerations and amendments document was signed by all the 308 Assembly members on 24th January 1950 and it came into force from 26th January 1950.
Indian constitution is the longest written constitution of any sovereign nation in the world. In the English language version it contains:
395 articles
12 schedules
94 amendments (last was in 12-June-2006)
117,369 words
Official Hindi translated version is also available.

Preamble:
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twentysixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Celebrations:
Republic Day is eminent all over the country at all the administrative units like the capital cities, district headquarters, sub divisions, talukas, and panchayats.
Presidential address to the nation initiates the carousing of the Republic Day in Delhi. President of Indian then awards medals to individuals for their outstanding valor and gallantry in the time of catastrophe.
Republic Day Parade takes place from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort. The President of India takes salute of the contingents of Armed Forces.
Culture of all the Indian states comes alive with the pageant demonstrated by them.

National Anthem:
Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, Jaya He
Bharata Bhagya Vidhata.
Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha
Dravida Utkala Banga
Vindhya Himachala Yamuna Ganga
Uchchala Jaladhi Taranga.
Tava Shubha Name Jage,
Tava Shubha Asisa Mange,
Gahe Tava Jaya Gatha,
Jana Gana Mangala Dayaka Jaya He
Bharata Bhagya Vidhata.
Jaya He, Jaya He, Jaya He,
Jaya Jaya Jaya, Jaya He!!!

National Song:
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!
Sujalam, Suphalam, Malayaja Shitalam,
Shasyashyamalam, Mataram!
Vande Mataram!
Shubhrajyotsna Pulakitayaminim,
Phullakusumita Drumadala Shobhinim,
Suhasinim Sumadhura Bhashinim,
Sukhadam Varadam, Mataram!
Vande Mataram, Vande Mataram!!!

National Language:
HINDI is Indian National Language

National Flower:
LOTUS is Indian National Flower

National Animal:
TIGER is Indian National Animal

National Bird:
PEACOCK is Indian National Bird

National Emblem:
LION OF SARNATH is Indian National Emblem

National Currency:
INDIAN RUPEE is Indian National Currency and Coins are called PAISE.

National Tree:
FICUS BENGALENSIS is Indian National Tree.

National River:
GANGA is Indian National River.

National Fruit:
MANGO is Indian National Fruit.

Bol Bachan:
Ae Mere Vatan Ke Logon,
Jara Aankh Me Bhar Lo Paani,
Jo Shaheed Hue Hain Unki,
Jara Yaad Karo Kurbani!!!

I was one of those lucky ones who opened their eyes in Independent India. But I am not unaware of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters (even from our own family) to gave us the India that I live in. Now it’s our responsibility to make it progressive and secure. We need to find out opportunities where we can contribute towards Indian progress. You don’t need to go to the Indian border to prove your patriotism just look around yourself and you will find that prospect to make a difference. Best of Luck!!!