Seventy-six years ago, infused by the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, India entered a new chapter of self-governance with the proclamation of the Republic on January 26, 1950.
The historic announcement was made during a solemn ceremony held in the brightly illuminated high-domed Durbar Hall at Government House, now known as Ganatantra Mandap. At exactly 10:18 am on the morning of Thursday, January 26, 1950. India was formally declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic, and six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the nation’s first President.
The birth of the Republic and the assumption of office by the President were marked by a 21-gun salute shortly after 10:30 am. The dignified swearing-in ceremony, attended by senior leaders and officials, set the stage for a day of unprecedented public celebration across the capital.
The proclamation declaring “India, that is, Bharat” a Republic was read out by the retiring Governor General, C Rajagopalachari. Following the oath, President Rajendra Prasad addressed the nation, delivering his remarks first in Hindi and then in English.
He described the occasion as a historic unification of the country, from Kashmir in the north to Cape Comorin in the south, and from Kathiawad and Cutch in the west to Kamrup in the east, under a single Constitution and a single Union.
Emphasising the significance of self-rule, the President said that the administration of the country would now be conducted by its people and for its people. He highlighted India’s vast natural resources and expressed hope that the new Republic would ensure prosperity for its more than 320 million citizens while contributing to peace in the world.
The ceremonial state procession began precisely at 2:30 pm on the same day. The President travelled in a specially refurbished 35-year-old coach bearing the newly adopted emblem of Ashoka’s capital, drawn by six Australian horses and escorted by the President’s Bodyguard.
Thousands of citizens gathered along the five-mile route from Government House to Irwin Stadium, filling streets, rooftops and vantage points, greeting the President with loud cheers of “Jai,” which he acknowledged with folded hands.
The procession reached Irwin Stadium at 3:45 pm, where over 3,000 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police, along with massed bands, were assembled for the ceremonial parade. Around 15,000 spectators witnessed one of the most impressive military displays of the time. Accompanied by the Parade Commander Brigadier JS Dhillon, standing in an Army jeep, the President inspected the parade before taking the salute at the march past.
The parade featured contingents from naval, infantry and cavalry units, the Air Force, police forces and boys’ units of the Punjab Regiment, combining precision with pageantry. Seven massed bands provided musical accompaniment throughout the ceremony. Among the highlights was the firing of a feu-de-joie during the National Anthem, followed by gun salutes in honour of the President.
Republic Day celebrations were held across the country, with the proclamation of the Republic read out in all States of the Indian Union. Indians living abroad also marked the occasion with enthusiasm, while messages of goodwill poured in from Heads of State and governments across the world.