Peerzada Masarat Shah
New Delhi, January 26, 2026 – As the sun rises over the historic Kartavya Path today, India commemorates its 77th Republic Day, a poignant reminder of the day in 1950 when the world’s largest democracy came into being. The unfurling of the tricolor flag amid the thunderous applause of dignitaries, military parades, and cultural tableaux is not merely a ceremonial spectacle; it is a profound affirmation of a nation’s journey from colonial subjugation to sovereign self-determination. This milestone, marking 76 years since the adoption of the Constitution, underscores the resilience of a democratic experiment that has defied skeptics, navigated crises, and emerged as a beacon of hope in a volatile global landscape.
In an era where authoritarianism is resurging in various parts of the world, India’s steadfast commitment to republican values stands out. The Republic Day parade, with its display of military might, technological prowess, and cultural diversity, encapsulates the essence of a nation that has woven unity from its myriad threads of ethnicity, language, and religion. But beyond the pageantry lies a deeper narrative: one of constitutional fidelity, social justice, and economic transformation. As we reflect on this 77th anniversary, it is imperative to delve into the architects of this republic, the milestones achieved, the contrasts with regional neighbors, and the ongoing homage to those who safeguard its spirit.
The Visionary Architect: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Birth of the Constitution
No tribute to India’s Republic can overlook the towering figure of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, affectionately known as Babasaheb. Born into the marginalized Mahar community in 1891, Ambedkar’s life was a testament to overcoming adversity through education and intellect. A polymath with doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, he returned to India not just as a scholar but as a crusader against caste-based discrimination.
As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Constitution, often described as the longest written constitution in the world, with 395 articles and 12 schedules at its inception. His influence is evident in every facet of the document, from the Fundamental Rights that guarantee equality before the law (Article 14) to the Directive Principles of State Policy that envision a welfare state. Ambedkar’s insistence on incorporating “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” into the Preamble was drawn from the French Revolution but adapted to India’s unique social fabric, ensuring that the Constitution addressed not only political freedom but also social and economic emancipation.
Ambedkar’s foresight extended to abolishing untouchability (Article 17) and promoting affirmative action through reservations for Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Articles 15 and 16). He warned against the perils of hero-worship in politics, famously stating in his final address to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949: “However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad.” This prescient advice has guided India’s democratic evolution, emphasizing that the Constitution is a living document, adaptable yet inviolable.
His personal struggles informed his vision. Facing discrimination in his early life, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956, just months before his death, leading thousands of Dalits in a mass conversion to escape Hinduism’s caste hierarchy. Today, his legacy endures in institutions like the Ambedkar Foundation and in the hearts of millions who see him as the emancipator of the oppressed. On this Republic Day, as tableaux depicting social justice roll down Kartavya Path, we honor Ambedkar not just as the chief architect but as the moral compass of the republic.
From Colonial Ruins to Global Powerhouse: A Chronicle of Achievements
India’s transformation since January 26, 1950, is nothing short of miraculous. Emerging from the ashes of partition and colonial exploitation, the nation grappled with poverty, illiteracy, and food scarcity. The average life expectancy was a mere 32 years, literacy hovered around 18%, and famines like the Bengal Famine of 1943 loomed large in collective memory. Yet, through visionary policies and collective resolve, India has ascended to become the world’s fifth-largest economy, projected to surpass Japan and Germany by 2030.
The foundation of this progress lies in fostering a scientific temper, as enshrined in Article 51A of the Constitution. The establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in the 1950s, starting with IIT Kharagpur in 1951, revolutionized technical education. Today, IIT alumni lead global tech giants like Google and Microsoft, contributing to India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, which boasts over 100 unicorns valued at more than $350 billion.
Space exploration exemplifies this scientific zeal. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), founded in 1969, has achieved feats on shoestring budgets. From launching Aryabhata, India’s first satellite in 1975, to the Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023, which made India the first nation to land on the lunar south pole, ISRO’s successes have democratized space technology. In 2024, the Gaganyaan mission marked India’s entry into human spaceflight, positioning it as a key player in international collaborations like the Artemis Accords.
Agricultural revolutions have been equally transformative. The Green Revolution of the 1960s, spearheaded by scientists like M.S. Swaminathan and the introduction of high-yielding varieties, turned India from a food importer to a surplus exporter. By 2025, foodgrain production reached 330 million tonnes, ensuring self-sufficiency for 1.4 billion people. The White Revolution, initiated by Verghese Kurien through Operation Flood in 1970, made India the world’s largest milk producer, with output exceeding 220 million tonnes annually. These initiatives not only averted famines but also empowered rural economies, lifting millions out of poverty.
In the digital realm, India’s leap has been phenomenal. The Aadhaar program, launched in 2009, has provided unique digital identities to over 1.3 billion citizens, enabling direct benefit transfers worth trillions of rupees and reducing leakages in welfare schemes. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), introduced in 2016, now processes over 12 billion transactions monthly, making India a global leader in digital payments. Initiatives like Digital India and the National Optical Fibre Network have bridged the urban-rural divide, with internet penetration reaching 70% by 2026. This digital infrastructure proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating vaccine distribution via the CoWIN app and remote education.
Economically, India’s GDP has grown from $30 billion in 1950 to over $4 trillion in 2026, with per capita income rising from $64 to around $3,000. Foreign direct investment inflows hit $100 billion in 2025, fueled by reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 and production-linked incentives. Social indicators have improved dramatically: literacy rates stand at 82%, life expectancy at 72 years, and poverty has declined to under 10% according to multidimensional indices.
These achievements are not without challenges. Climate change threatens agriculture, and urban migration strains infrastructure. Yet, India’s commitment to sustainable development, evident in its net-zero pledge by 2070 and leadership in the International Solar Alliance, signals a forward-looking approach.
A Stark Contrast: India’s Democracy in Regional Perspective
To appreciate India’s republican resilience, a comparative lens on its neighbors reveals the fragility of democracy in the region. While India has maintained uninterrupted constitutional governance, countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have endured cycles of instability.
Pakistan, born alongside India in 1947, has a turbulent history marked by military interventions. No elected prime minister has completed a full term; figures like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto were executed, Benazir Bhutto assassinated, and Imran Khan ousted amid controversies in 2022. The military’s dominance, through institutions like the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has led to “hybrid regimes” where civilian governments operate under shadow influence. Economically, Pakistan faces chronic crises, with inflation soaring to 30% in 2023 and repeated IMF bailouts. Its constitution, adopted in 1973, has been suspended multiple times, most notably during General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule (1977-1988) and Pervez Musharraf’s coup in 1999.
Myanmar’s trajectory is even more tragic. After a brief democratic interlude following the 2015 elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, the military junta seized power in a 2021 coup, dissolving the constitution and triggering civil war. By 2026, ongoing ethnic conflicts and economic collapse have displaced millions, with GDP contracting by 18% post-coup. Unlike India’s independent judiciary, Myanmar’s courts are subservient to the Tatmadaw (military), eroding rule of law.
Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic meltdown, driven by debt defaults and political mismanagement, led to mass protests and the ousting of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. While it has a constitution since 1978, executive overreach and corruption have undermined democratic institutions. Bangladesh, under Sheikh Hasina’s long rule until recent upheavals, has seen allegations of electoral rigging and suppression of opposition, contrasting India’s vibrant multi-party system.
These comparisons highlight India’s strengths: an apolitical military, a robust Election Commission conducting fair polls for over 900 million voters, and a federal structure accommodating diversity. The Supreme Court’s landmark judgments, such as Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) establishing the “basic structure” doctrine, have prevented arbitrary amendments, ensuring the Constitution’s supremacy.
Honoring the Founders and Defenders of the Republic
The Constituent Assembly, convened in 1946 with 299 members, including 15 women, debated for 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to craft the Constitution. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered the “Tryst with Destiny” speech, envisioned a secular India; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel unified 562 princely states; Maulana Abul Kalam Azad championed education; and Rajendra Prasad, the first President, symbolized unity.
Post-independence, guardians have upheld this legacy. During the Emergency (1975-1977) imposed by Indira Gandhi, judges like H.R. Khanna dissented in ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla, affirming habeas corpus rights. The judiciary’s activism in public interest litigations has expanded rights, from environmental protection in Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) to privacy as a fundamental right in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017).
The armed forces’ apolitical stance is exemplary. Unlike Pakistan’s coups, India’s military, led by figures like Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, has remained loyal to the Constitution, focusing on defense amid borders with adversarial neighbors.
Citizens embody the republic’s spirit through electoral participation and movements like the anti-corruption crusade of 2011 or the farmers’ protests of 2020-2021, demonstrating peaceful dissent.
The Road Forward: Challenges and Aspirations
As India enters its 78th year of republichood, challenges persist. Economic inequality, with the top 1% holding 40% of wealth, demands inclusive growth. Social harmony is tested by communal tensions, requiring renewed commitment to secularism. Climate resilience, gender equality (with women’s workforce participation at 37%), and technological equity are priorities.
Yet, the Constitution provides the blueprint. Initiatives like the National Education Policy 2020 and the push for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) align with Ambedkar’s vision of economic democracy. Globally, India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and advocacy for the Global South position it as a leader in multipolar world order.
In conclusion, the 77th Republic Day is a celebration of endurance and aspiration. It reminds us that the republic is a collective endeavor, where “We, the People” hold the reins. As the parade concludes with the national anthem echoing across Delhi, let us pledge to uphold the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality.
Jai Hind!
