January 26
Today is Republic Day in India.
Although India gained independence from Britain in 1947, the Constitution was officially adopted on January 26, 1950, marking the Republic of India as a sovereign nation with complete autonomy.
The date January 26th was chosen in remembrance of “Poorna Swaraj Diwas,” when the Indian National Congress declared independence on January 26, 1930.
Guests of Honor at recent Republic Days have included King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Russian President Vladimire Putin, and Nicholas Sarkozy, President of France.
The Republic Day parade in New Dehli is a combination of cultural pride and military strength, symbolized by three fighter jets that fly over the ceremony each year.
Republic Day is for all Indians, regardless of religion or region. Still, sectarian tensions are high on Republic Day and security is heightened throughout the country.
BBC: India’s Republic Day in Pictures
Kashmir view from 2007
India’s 59th Republic Day
Hey, your post is almost what I wanted to post and that was my first draft. Even strange, I had choosen the same photograph from BBC to go with it. Anyway, Happy Republic Day.
That’s funny. When I went to your site I thought what a perfect picture! (And I love the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme on
http://aalasanthosh.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/baa-baa-black-sheep-have-you-any-shame/
I vaguely remember going downtown with my dad to see Indira Gandhi during her visit to Kyiv sometime in 1983 or 1984, months before she was assassinated. (India and the USSR maintained close relations. Bollywood movies were all the rage at the time.)
Happy Republic Day, India!
HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY!!
INDIA WE LOVE YOU I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN JAI HIND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!