So here we are once again at the 63rd year celebration of National Republic Day. Although many would have forgot already what it actually means, some are too busy to let their children know what it is! Few will be sad that it did fall on a Saturday instead of a working day! But ask the 80% of the citizens, they would be still wondering what this celebration was about. I know you are among the lucky 20% but here I find my duty to spread the actual need of knowing what is it to be a republic!
It was on 26th January 1950 that the constitution of India came in to effect after three years of independence, our scholars had developed the set of rules and duties to each citizen of India. The date was chosen since, in 1930, January 26, the Indian National Congress had put forward the idea of "
Poorna Swaraj" or Independence of India, so to give respect to the idea put forward by INC (
Indian National Congress).
So what did happen in the three years post independence? Yes, we were still following the colonial Government of India Act 1935, which was set out by the British Government. But that doesn't mean that we were going to follow the colonial rule moving forward, two weeks after the Independence, On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr.B. R. Ambedkar as chairman.
So although we were an independent country since 1947, we did become republic only three years later i.e, the constitution of India came into effect on 1950.
A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, it came into effect throughout the nation.
So what changed since being republic, the power of government was given to citizens! (Really??) dont be amused, but that is what the constitution states. We elect our leaders to rule the country and the country has its supreme power resided on President instead of a Monarch, also that the president is nominated or elected by the leaders elected by citizens.
So be proud and enjoy the day saying that it is because of me that India has survived the 62 years of development and competition, it is me who has given into the progress of the Nation, be proud when you say it is because of me that the nation is so beautiful and still a place to live.
But never forget the fact and to say atleast silently, that it is because of me that the country has something bad, it is because of me that life is getting worst and it is because I elected the wrong people that I am suffering now. Once people tend to understand their rights and purpose, things will change. As in a cricket match, we dont loose hope until India wins.
So be it for our leaders, we have been ignorant, rather hypnotized with few weeks of campaign and forget the past. But as in cricket matches, one innings can change the match and similarly one tennure can change everything, imagine, if we get the good and non-greedy ones into power, we will fly sky high. Our country which has the potential to conquer any heights will find its way to the ultimate stand when we do get it right, till then, keep experimenting your voting rights.
