India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26th, marking the date when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. This day is commemorated by a grand parade that takes place in the national capital, Delhi, with colourful tableaux being an integral part of this event.
The Ministry of Defence’s New Proposal for state and Union Territory Participation
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently set forth a proposal for a rollover plan that would allow states and Union Territories (UTs) to exhibit their tableaux in the Republic Day Parade. This development comes in response to criticisms lodged by certain state governments who were denied participation in the 2024 Republic Day Parade Tableaus.
Selection of States/Union Territories for the Republic Day Parade 2024
For the upcoming Republic Day Parade of 2024, a total of 16 States and UTs have been selected. These include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
An Alternative for those Not Selected: The Bharat Parv
An innovative provision has been included in the MoD’s plans to allow states and UTs not chosen for the Republic Day parade to instead showcase their tableaux at the Bharat Parv. This six-day event takes place from January 26th to 31st at the historic Red Fort and forms part of the Republic Day celebrations.
A Rotational Plan for Fairer Representation
A rotational plan spanning three years (2024-2026) has been drafted to guarantee every state and Union Territory the opportunity to present their tableaux at the Republic Day parade. The rotational system has been agreed upon by 28 States as a measure to provide equitable opportunities, reduce accusations of political bias, and encourage a more inclusive celebration.
The Tableau Selection Process Explained
The selection and shortlisting of parade participants is a complex process that begins months ahead of the event. The MoD invites states, UTs, and departments to submit sketches or designs for tableaux that reflect a broad theme. The designs must be simple, colourful, and easily understandable. An expert committee is then formed to screen these proposals, with successful entries selected after several rounds of meetings.
Why do we Celebrate Republic Day?
India gained independence on August 15th, 1947, but it wasn’t until January 26th, 1950 that it became a republic with a written constitution. This day is celebrated as Republic Day because it was also on this same date in 1930 when the Indian National Congress first declared Purna Swaraj, or Indian independence from British rule.
The Implications of Being a Republic
The term ‘Republic’ signifies that India has an elected head, known as the President. Freedom fighters and national leaders assembled in the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India on November 26th, 1949, which subsequently came into effect on January 26th, 1950. Consequently, November 26th is observed as Constitution Day. The decision to celebrate Republic Day on January 26th holds historical significance, as it coincides with the day the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj in 1930.
Understanding the Constitutional Status of India
Upon gaining independence, India was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic. This meant that India was free from external dominion and had a government in which the supreme power is vested in its citizens, who elect officials to represent them.