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Essay on the Republic Day for school children
India celebrates Republic Day on 26th January 2015. It is common for school teachers to ask students to write an essay on the topic. Common topics for the essay are ‘Why we celebrate the Republic Day’, ‘How is the Republic Day celebrated in India’ and ‘Republic Day parade’. Here is a sample essay on the Indian Republic Day that covers all three topics.
Patriotic fervour runs high as Indians across the globe celebrate their Republic Day on 26th January. The occasion, marked with much fan-fare and festivity, has great historic significance; as it was on this day in 1950 that the Constitution of India came into existence and India declared itself as a Sovereign Democratic Republic. 26th January is observed as a gazetted holiday in India. That means it is day of national importance. All public offices (except those that fall under the Essential Services Act) and educational establishments remain closed on the Republic Day. It is also mandatory for private businesses to remain shut as a token of respect for the day our constitution was formed.
Indian Republic Day- A brief history
Despite attaining freedom from British rule on 15th August 1947, India continued to be governed by the Government of India Act 1935 and remained a British Dominion under King George VI, until the Constitution of India was finally adopted in 1950.
It was soon after Independence (28th August 1947) that a Committee headed by Dr. B. R Ambedkar was appointed to draft the Indian Constitution. This Committee submitted the final draft of the Constitution on 24th January 1950, to the Indian Assembly, which accepted and signed it. It was thus that the Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January 1950. Since then, the day is commemorated country wide, and the Republic Day is celebrated with much gusto and zeal, by Indians everywhere.
Traditions of the Republic Day
There are a number of traditions and ceremonies associated with the Republic Day. The day commences with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, as a mark of respect to soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. A two minute silence is also observed as the Prime Minister pays homage to the unknown soldiers. The Prime Minister’s motorcade then proceeds to the main podium erected on Rajpath. Soon after, the President, flanked by his guards on horseback arrives at the venue in a ceremonial horse drawn carriage, where he is greeted by the three Service Chiefs and other dignitaries.
The President unfurls the national flag as the band plays the national anthem, and everyone stands at attention. This is followed by a 21 gun salute by the President’s Body Guards. The President then proceeds to present gallantry awards (Ashok Chakra, Param Veer Chakra, Kirti Chakra, etc) to men of valour, many of whom laid down their lives in protecting our nation. Just as the presentation ceremony concludes, the much awaited parade begins.
Republic Day Parade
The Republic Day parade in the national capital is the most anticipated event of the day. People brave out the early morning winter chill to converge in huge numbers on the Rajpath, in New Delhi to witness first hand a spectacular show that displays India’s military strength and cultural heritage and traditions. The show is telecast live on Doordarshan; so those who cannot be present at Rajpath can watch the proceedings at home.
The parade begins with a march past; in which platoons from the armed forces move in synchronized unison to the beat of military bands. It’s an incredibly overwhelming experience to watch officers and men from the Army, Navy and Air Force elegantly dressed in ceremonial uniforms, marching smartly, in precision. They are followed by battalions from the Coast Guard, CRPF, Delhi Police, BSF and other para-military services, and decorated veterans from the Armed Forces. The cavalcade of men from the security forces on horse-back and riding camels is another magnificent part of the show. Interestingly the animals belong to regiments of the Indian Army, and are used for patrolling some of our treacherous terrain on our borders.
The impressive parade continues and spectators get a glimpse of the raw power of the military, as the latest combat assets of the military (tanks, missiles, choppers, radars, anti-aircraft guns and more) roll on the Rajpath. It is on rare occasions such as this that civilians get to see such weaponry at close quarters.
The scene changes to gaiety and fanfare as children honoured with the National Bravery Award join the parade riding atop elephants, waving jubilantly to the crowds. There is a sudden splash of colour and toe-tapping music as cultural groups descend on the Rajpath. They enthral the audience with their impressive show that encompasses our rich cultural heritage – music, dance and indigenous martial art performances by troupes representing different states, schools and NCC cadets. Tableaus are up next; these depict themes ranging from social messages, economic development and growth, environment, etc.
The audience is left spellbound, as the daredevils take centre stage. Daredevil motor-cycle riders from the armed and paramilitary forces display great skill as they perform daring manoeuvres on their motorcycles. Some acts have over a hundred men, on one bike. They perform various acrobatic stunts on moving motorcycles with agility and grace and get the loudest applause.
The flypast marks the finale of the Republic Day parade. Helicopters and aircrafts of the Indian Air force fly in formation and perform aerial stunts. Children and adults alike are charmed by the shower of rose petals from these flying machines.
What is special about the 2015 Republic Day
According to several media reports the theme of Republic Day 2015 is going to be Women Empowerment and Nari Shakti. In keeping with this year’s theme lady officers from the armed forces will take part in the Republic Day parade in large numbers.
Chief Guest for the Republic Day of India
Each year the Prime Minster of India extends invitation to a head of state of a foreign country to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. It is a matter of great honour that the President of the United States of America, the world’s most powerful man, has agreed to be Chief Guest at the Indian Republic Day parade to be held at New Delhi this year.
Indians from different faiths and regions come together to celebrate the Republic Day. It is a proud moment because instead of being Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Muslims or belonging to different states, we identify ourselves as secular Indians. All that matters is that we are Indians.