The twenty sixth of January is one of the three main national holidays in India. This holiday is called “Republic Day” and commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Even though India had gained independence from Britain in 1947, the British laws that were established during the colonial years were still in place. Bhimrao Ramiji Ambedkar (डॊ.भीमराव रामजी आंबेडकर), an activist and writer, was the chief architect of the Indian constitution. He and others submitted a draft to the Assembly. After two years and some adjustments to the draft, India finally had its own constitution signed on January 26, 1950.

There are actually two copies of the Constitution. One is in Hindi and the other is in English. The Constitution of India (भारतीय संविधान) lays out the structure and powers of the government and defines the rights of all citizens. The Constitution has a preamble and 22 chapters divided into 448 articles. Some of the few chapters include the restrictions and powers of the states of India, citizenship, the fundamental rights of citizens, trade and commerce, contracts and suits, elections, amendments to the Constitution and emergency provisions.

In celebration of Republic Day, a grand parade is held in New Delhi, the capital of India. Soldiers from the Indian Army march in union in a grand display. The marching soldiers will often give a salute to the current president (राष्ट्रपति) of India. This year the president is प्रतिभा पाटिल, and she is the first woman president of India. The celebration also includes a professional dancing troupe and traditional Indian music. Finally, the celebrations end with a colorful air show by the Indian Air Force. Every year a foreign head of state is invited as a guest of honor.

Some of the famous guests of honor were President Jacques Chirac and Nicholas Sarkozy of France, President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. This year President Lee Myung Bak of South Korea will be the guest of honor. Of course these guests of honor are invited not just to watch the spectacles, but as ways for India to carry out diplomatic talks. Republic Day is a day of pride for all Indians. Despite all the economic, social and political battles India has faced, the Constitution is proof of India’s commitment to democracy. This is surely something to rejoice about!