NEW DELHI : India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day, and last one year has been a it’s been a rollercoaster ride. We’ve put India on the Moon, bagged an Oscar for ‘Natu Natu’ ,inauguration the Ram Mandir, and held elections in four states. But let’s rewind to where it all began.
Back in 1950, India officially became a republic on January 26. We got our independence in 1947, but this was different – it was like turning a new page in a big book called ‘India.’
The first Republic Day was a big deal. It felt like the country was putting on a brand-new suit, full of excitement and a bit of responsibility.
The Platinum year celebrations have been marked by a lively parade in the heart of India’s capital, with the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. Thousands of spectators have gathered along a ceremonial boulevard to witness the impressive showcase of India’s military prowess and rich cultural heritage.
Now, as we celebrate our 75th Republic Day, it’s like looking back at a photo album filled with highs and lows. The first republic laid the groundwork for the democracy we know today. It’s been a journey of growth, challenges, and a lot of heart – making India the lively and diverse place it is now.
In 1950, India celebrated its first Republic Day at the Irwin Amphitheatre, now known as Kartavya Path, instead of the familiar Rajpath we see today. This amphitheatre, a gift from the Maharaja of Bhavnagar in the 1930s, hosted the historic event where Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as India’s first President.
On the night of January 26, 1950, Delhi dazzled with lights as public buildings, parks, and railway stations transformed into a fairyland. The excitement was palpable as India, having gained independence in 1947, marked its transition into a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
The Irwin Amphitheatre, built in 1933 and later renamed the National Stadium, stood witness to this historic moment. In 2002, it was named after Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey legend.
At 10:18 am, in the brilliantly lit Durbar Hall at Government House, India was officially declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the oath as the first President at 10:24 am, and a salute of 31 guns at 10:30 am heralded the birth of the Indian Republic.
President Prasad’s procession through Delhi streets, symbolising the nation’s coming-of-age, took place in a specially renovated coach drawn by six Australian horses. The cheers of the crowd, perched on trees and rooftops, echoed with chants of ‘jai’ as President Prasad acknowledged the joyous greetings.
The procession ended at the Irwin Amphitheatre at 3:45 pm, where 15,000 people witnessed a magnificent military parade. Seven massed bands represented the armed forces and police, and the feu de joie, a running fire of guns accompanied by the National Anthem, marked a poignant salute to the nation’s first president.
While Republic Day celebrations moved to Rajpath from 1951 onwards, the Irwin Amphitheatre remains a historic landmark. Monochrome images from that day capture the grandeur of a nation taking its first steps into a future of democracy and sovereignty after gaining freedom from colonial rule. Cheers to 75 years of being a republic