75th Republic day (Denomination of `75) UNC-Folder Packing (FGCO001499)

A 31 Gun Salute to the President heralded the birth of Indian Republic shortly before 10:30 hours on January 26, 1950. It was 894 days after the country attained the dominion status following the end of British Rule. The ceremony was held in the brilliantly decorated Darbar Hall of Government House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan) and was attended by about 500 prominent dignitaries including Dr. Soekarno, the President of Indonesian Republic. It was the beginning of a new Republic based on the principles of justice, liberty, equality and unity.

The transition of India from British colony to a sovereign democratic Republic was indeed a long journey. Thousands of people sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from 200 years of British rule. On the fateful day of 26 January 1950, the retiring Governor General Sh. C. Rajagopalachari read out the proclamation of the Republic of India, (that is Bharat). The constitution came into force, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of the country.

The President then moved out on ceremonial drive from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the Iewin Stadium (now major Dhyan Chand Stadium). Thousands of people assembled on the road along the route to welcome the President with loud cheers. The President responded to the greeting with the folded hands. At the Stadium, the President hoisted the Union Flag. Some three thousand officers and men of the Armed Forces and police Forces assembled at the Stadium to participate in the ceremonial parade.

Standing in an Army jeep, accompanied by Brigadier JS Dhillon, the Parade Commander, the President inspected the Parade. The President then moved to the podium and took the salute of the marching columns. Seven massed bands representing the three services played the music. Among the most impressive items of the programme was ‘feu-de-joie’ (firing of joy), combined with the National Anthem and guns Salute to the President. About 15000 people were eye witness to this magnificent first Republic Day parade while millions all over the country and overseas also celebrated the inauguration of the Republic. The Republic Day celebration has since become a National Festival organized on 26 January year.