Zahid Ahmed Tapadar
(The writer is the CHD of Information and Public Relations, BTC, Kokrajhar)
As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, reflecting on the very first Republic Day of January 26, 1950, offers a glimpse into the nation’s transition from colonial rule to a Sovereign Democratic Republic. This historic occasion, as described in archival sources and later analyses, marked a defining moment in India’s post-independence history. The day’s events and significance have been detailed in various records, including an insightful article in Fauzi Akhbar (Sainik Samachar) and the book India after Gandhi by noted historian Ramachandra Guha, which captures the essence of the celebrations.
A new dawn for India
On January 26, 1950, three years after gaining independence, India adopted its Constitution, transitioning into a fully sovereign republic. On a historic day at 10:18 AM, in the Durbar Hall of Government House (now Rastrapati Bhawan), the 34th and last Governor General of India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari read out a proclamation announcing the birth of the Republic of India. The Constitution of India came into effect, declaring India as a sovereign, democratic, and secular state. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the oath as the President
of the new republic.
The ceremonial events
Fauzi Akhbar (now Sainik Samachar), India’s oldest defence magazine, offers a detailed account of the first Republic Day observances.
“At the most solemn ceremony, held in the brilliantly lit and high domes of Durbar Hall at Government House, India was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic exactly at 18 minutes past 10 on the morning of Thursday, January 26, 1950. Six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as president,” reported Fauji Akhbar in its article titled ‘Birth of a Republic’ on February 4, the same year.
“The birth of the Indian Republic and the installation of its first president were announced by a salute of 31 guns shortly after 10:30 AM,” reported the Fauzi Akhbar.
In an impressive swearing-in ceremony, the retiring Governor General C Rajagopalachari read out the proclamation of the Republic of “India, that is, Bharat”.
“...And whereas it has been declared by the said Constitution that India, that is, Bharat, shall be a Union of States comprising within the Union the territories which were hitherto the Governor’s provinces, the Indian states and the Chief Commissioners’ provinces,” the military journal quoted the last Governor-General’s speech.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad then took the oath and made a brief speech, first in Hindi and then in English.‘‘Today, for the first time in our long and chequered history, we find the whole of this vast land from Kashmir in the north to Cape Comorin in the South, from Kathiawad and Kutch in the west to Coconada and Kamrup in the east, brought together under the jurisdiction of one Constitution and one Union, which takes over the responsibility for the welfare of more than 320 million men and women that in men and women that inhabit it,” President Prasad said in his historic speech.
The ceremonial parade
The first Republic Day celebration unfolded at the Irwin Amphitheatre (now the National Stadium), which had been meticulously prepared for the grand occasion. The evening before, Delhi’s iconic landmarks and public spaces were illuminated, creating an atmosphere of celebration. On January 26, 15,000 attendees gathered at the venue to witness history in the making.
The over 100-year-old journal had said, “The president drove out of the Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) in state exactly at 2:30 PM in a 35-year-old coach specially renovated for the occasion bearing the new emblem of Asoka’s capital and drawn by six sturdy Australian horses, at a slow trot, escorted by the president’s bodyguard.”
And, as the procession made its way through the Irwin Amphitheatre, chants of “jai” echoed through the streets with cheers of people perched on trees and building roofs and every possible vantage point. Dr. Rajendra Prasad responded to the joyous greetings of the gathered masses with warmth and folded hands.
“The drive ended exactly at 3:45 pm at the Irwin Amphitheatre where 3,000 officers and men of the three-Armed Services of India and the police with massed bands had taken positions for the Ceremonial Parade,” reported the article published in Fauji Akhbar.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s journey to the venue symbolized the day’s grandeur. He travelled in a regal horse-drawn carriage adorned with the new national emblem, Ashoka’s Lion Capital. Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets, cheering and waving the tri-colour as the procession passed.
In his book ‘India after Gandhi’, noted historian Ramchandra Guha paints a vivid picture of the first Republic Day, noting its importance in India’s post-Independence narrative. He highlights how the parade and accompanying events reflected the aspirations of a young Republic. Guha’s account also captures the essence of the day as a unifying force for a nation that had recently overcome colonial rule and Partition.
Ramchandra Guha writes that more than 3,000 men of the Indian Armed Forces marched in front of the president. Moreover, after inspection of the parade by the President, the Artillery, fired a 31-gun salute, in three instalments. Notably, between these instalments, the parade fired a ‘Feu-de-joie’ or the fire of joy—a formal celebratory gunfire—thrice and then gave three ‘jails’ to the President of the Republic. Indian Air Force’s Liberator planes flew overhead to end this amazing spectacle. Following this, the President’s horse-drawn carriage entered the stadium and escorted President Dr. Prasad back to Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan).
Dr. Prasad’s return and public engagement
Following the parade, Dr. Prasad’s return journey through Delhi’s streets was met with immense public enthusiasm. People thronged the route, cheering and celebrating their newfound identity as citizens of a republic.
A historic guest
The first Republic Day celebration was not only a national event but also an occasion of international significance. The first head of state to attend was Indonesian President Sukarno, symbolizing India’s aspirations for global friendship and solidarity.
A lasting legacy
The first Republic Day not only marked the birth of the Indian Republic but also set the foundation for an annual celebration that reflects India’s unity, diversity, and democratic ideals. While the scale and format of the celebrations have evolved over the years, the spirit of that historic day continues to resonate.