Friday signifies India’s national day, Republic Day, a pivotal occasion celebrating a crucial chapter in the nation’s history, its achievements and its vast potential. 

In Singapore, the High Commission of India Singapore held a flag unfurling ceremony on Grange Road at 0830 SGT on Friday in celebration.  

History

Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950 officially declaring the country a sovereign, democratic republic. 

India’s journey towards independence was a protracted struggle that spanned several decades. The British colonial rule, which began in the 17th century, saw India become a pivotal part of the British Empire. 

The Indian independence movement gained momentum in the early 20th century, led by prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel. 

The culmination of these efforts led to the historic event on August 15, 1947, when India gained independence from British rule. However, it was only on January 26, 1950, that the nation adopted its own Constitution, marking the official transition to a republic. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India. 

India today

Republic Day celebrations in India are marked by a grand parade in the capital, New Delhi, showcasing the country’s military strength, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. 

As India commemorates its national day, the focus is not only on historical achievements but also on the country’s present and future aspirations. It is no surprise that the world’s second most populace country has been making waves in the international community. 

India has made significant progress in various fields, including technology, science, and sports in recent years. 

In 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed a spacecraft in the South Pole region of the moon on 23 August 2023. In media, filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves and producer Guneet Monga won the Academy Award for their documentary “The Elephant Whisperers”. 

In sports, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won gold at the 2023 Asian Games while the visually impaired Indian women’s cricket team won gold at the International Blind Sport Federation World Games.  

The list goes on.  

Bright future

At the turn of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India’s achievements are the achievements of every Indian… Whatever work we do, whatever decision we make, our first criterion should be… what the country will get from it; what benefit it will bring to the country. Rashtra Pratham – Nation First – there is no greater mantra than this. Adhering to this mantra, we Indians will make our country developed and self-reliant.” 

The nation continues to play a crucial role on the global stage, contributing to peace, development, and environmental sustainability. 

While India’s national day is a time for reflection, it is also an occasion to celebrate the unity in diversity that defines India. With a plethora of languages, cultures, and traditions, the nation stands as a testament to pluralism and coexistence – similar to Singapore. 

*DNA wishes India and its diaspora a happy Republic Day.