Shabir Ahmad
As the echoes of the grand parade on Rajpath fade and the tricolor flags are carefully folded away, India reflects on yet another Republic Day. But amid the fireworks, military marches, and cultural tableaux that marked the 77th Republic Day on January 26, a deeper narrative emerges: 26 January is not merely a sequel to August 15’s Independence Day. It is, in many ways, the culmination of India’s journey from colonial subjugation to a self-governed democracy.
While Independence Day commemorates the end of British rule, Republic Day enshrines the birth of a nation defined by its people, for its people—a day that transcends mere freedom to embody equality, justice, and constitutional supremacy.
The distinction is profound, yet often overlooked in the fervor of national holidays. Independence Day, observed on August 15, marks the historic midnight transfer of power in 1947, when India broke free from over two centuries of British imperialism. It was a moment of jubilation, symbolizing the end of exploitation and the dawn of self-rule. However, as historians point out, independence alone did not make India a republic. The country operated under the Government of India Act, 1935, for nearly three years post-independence, with King George VI still nominally the head of state. True sovereignty required a foundational document that reflected India’s diverse ethos and aspirations.
Enter January 26, 1950—the day India’s Constitution came into effect, transforming the dominion into a sovereign democratic republic. Drafted over two years, 11 months, and 18 days by the Constituent Assembly under the visionary leadership of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Constitution was not just a legal framework but a social revolution. It abolished untouchability, guaranteed fundamental rights, and established a federal structure that balanced unity with diversity. “Independence gave us freedom, but Republic Day gave us the tools to wield it responsibly,” said Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, in archival speeches that continue to resonate. This date was deliberately chosen to honor the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929, where Purna Swaraj (complete independence) was declared, underscoring a continuity of struggle.
In contemporary India, Republic Day’s significance has evolved beyond historical symbolism. The 2026 celebrations, held under clear skies in the capital, showcased this evolution vividly. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), followed by a spectacular parade featuring contingents from all three armed forces, paramilitary units, and state tableaux highlighting themes like Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and sustainable development. A highlight was the inclusion of Jammu and Kashmir’s tableau, depicting the region’s progress post-Article 370 abrogation, with motifs of blooming tulips and traditional Pashmina shawls symbolizing renewed integration and economic revival. For residents like those in Jammu, where the writer hails from, this day serves as a reminder of how the Constitution binds the nation’s farthest corners into a cohesive whole.
But why argue that 26 January surpasses Independence Day in importance? Experts like constitutional scholar Upendra Baxi emphasize that while independence was a political victory, the republic’s formation addressed deeper societal fractures. The Constitution’s Preamble—“We, the people of India”—democratized power, ensuring that governance was no longer the prerogative of elites or colonizers. It introduced universal adult suffrage at a time when many Western democracies still restricted voting rights. In an era of global populism and democratic backsliding, Republic Day reaffirms India’s commitment to secularism, federalism, and social justice. “Independence was the body; the Constitution is the soul,” Baxi noted in a recent interview.
This year’s festivities also highlighted modern challenges and triumphs. The parade included advanced indigenous weaponry, such as the Agni-V missile and Tejas fighter jets, underscoring India’s self-reliance in defense—a direct outcome of constitutional provisions encouraging scientific temper and innovation. Cultural performances from across states celebrated linguistic and ethnic diversity, with a special focus on tribal communities, aligning with the Constitution’s Directive Principles for uplifting marginalized groups. French President Emmanuel Macron, as chief guest, praised India’s republican spirit during bilateral talks, drawing parallels to France’s own Bastille Day.
Yet, Republic Day is not without its critiques. Activists point to ongoing issues like economic inequality and the erosion of civil liberties, questioning whether constitutional ideals are being fully realized. Farmer unions, recalling their 2021 protests that disrupted the parade, argue for stronger implementation of agrarian rights. In the Kashmir Valley, while official celebrations proceeded smoothly, some locals express mixed feelings, hoping for greater autonomy within the federal framework. These debates, however, reinforce the day’s essence: a living Constitution that invites scrutiny and evolution.
As India marches toward its centennial of independence in 2047, Republic Day stands as a beacon of what the nation can achieve. It is more than parades and patriotism; it is an annual audit of democratic health. For the youth, it inspires civic engagement—from voting to upholding rights. For the diaspora, it evokes pride in a homeland governed by law, not whim.
In conclusion, while August 15 ignites the spark of freedom, January 26 fans it into an enduring flame of governance. As Dr. Ambedkar warned in his final Constituent Assembly speech, “We must hold fast to constitutional methods of achieving our social and economic objectives.” On this Republic Day, let us remember: 26 January is not just another holiday—it is the day India truly became its own master. Jai Hind.
