January 26th. A date that resonates with every Indian, a day where the very air seems charged with patriotism. It’s Republic Day, a celebration of our nation’s soul, the day we embraced our Constitution and became a truly sovereign republic. But it’s more than just a historical marker; it’s a living, breathing testament to our collective journey.

The Indian Constitution

To truly grasp the significance, we must rewind. India’s hard-won independence in 1947 was just the beginning. We were free, yet our legal framework remained tethered to the colonial past. The task before us was monumental: to craft a Constitution that would reflect the aspirations of a diverse nation.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of our Constitution, led a committee that poured heart and soul into this endeavor. Imagine the scene: debates stretching late into the night, the weight of a nation’s future resting on their shoulders. The handwritten Constitution, with its intricate calligraphy and artistic embellishments, is a masterpiece, a tangible link to our founding fathers. To see those original documents, preserved in the parliament library, is to touch history.

The choice of January 26th was no accident. It was a nod to the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930, a defiant assertion of our desire for complete independence. This symbolic connection adds layers of meaning to the day, reminding us of the sacrifices made.

Of course, the grandest spectacle unfolds in New Delhi. The Republic Day parade, a breathtaking display of our military might and cultural diversity, is a sight to behold. From the Prime Minister’s solemn tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to the vibrant tableaux showcasing the richness of our states, it’s a visual symphony of India.

And it’s not just the visual spectacle, it is also the inclusion of honoured guests from other nations, that shows India’s place within the world. This tradition of having a chief guest reinforces diplomatic ties and highlights India’s global outreach.

Unfurling of the National Flag

In Baghdad, at the Indian Embassy, the day begins with the dignified unfurling of the tricolour by Ambassador Birendra Singh Yadav. Fellow Indians gather, their hearts swelling with pride as the national anthem fills the air. The event is more than a ritual; it’s a reaffirmation of unity and shared heritage across borders.

After unfurling of flag accompanied by singing of the national anthem — Jana-Gana-Mana, the Ambassador read the President’s address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day and delivered a short speech on the Indo-Iraq relationship.

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The ceremony ended with snacks — samose, pakodi, gujiya, barfi, tea, and coffee.

Remember you, Maa

Sixteen years ago, in the heart of Jamshedpur, Republic Day took on a profoundly different meaning. While the nation rejoiced, my family faced an agonizing loss. I remember the day with a clarity that still brings a pang of sorrow. The morning flag hoisting, the sense of national pride, followed by the sudden, sharp turn as my mother’s health deteriorated.

The frantic rush to the hospital, the sterile corridors, the hushed voices of the medical staff, and then, the devastating news. It was as if time itself had stopped. That day, amidst the national celebrations, my world shifted irrevocably.

Now, every Republic Day is a poignant reminder of her. It’s a day of both national pride and personal mourning. To honor her memory, we’ve created a tradition of visiting orphanages in Ranchi, trying to spread the kind of warmth and care she always embodied. It’s our way of keeping her spirit alive.

So, when I see the tricolor unfurling, when I hear the national anthem, I feel a complex mix of emotions. I feel the pride of being Indian, the gratitude for our Constitution, and the deep, abiding love for a mother who taught me the true meaning of compassion.

Republic Day, therefore, is a tapestry woven with threads of history, patriotism, and personal memory. It’s a reminder that even amidst national celebrations, our individual stories, our joys, and our sorrows shape our understanding of the world.

Vande Mataram!