Indian Diaspora worldwide celebrate 75th Republic Day of India

On January 26th today, India celebrated its 75th Republic Day while thousands of people lined at Kartavya Path, a ceremonial boulevard in the heart of India’s capital, New Delhi, to watch a colorful procession showcasing the country’s military power and cultural heritage.

The constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation from a dominion into a republic post its independence from the British Raj in 1947. The constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. Republic Day in India celebrates the transformation of India from a British Dominion to a Democratic Republic nation.

French President Emmanuel Macron attended the parade today as the chief guest at the celebration of the adoption of the country’s Constitution.

 _{Image: Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi with French President, Emmanuel Macron}

Indian President Draupadi Murmu escorted Macron in a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage from the nearby president’s palace to the viewing stand. It was the first time the carriage has been used at the parade since it was abandoned by the government 40 years ago in favor of a car.

_{Image: Indian President, Draupadi Murmu with French President, Emmanuel Macron}

The parade, held in the capital, Delhi, went through the avenue of Kartavya Path (Path of Duty), formerly known as the Rajpath, which connects many important landmarks in the city. It culminated at the Red Fort, a 7th Century monument, about 7km (4.3 miles away).

India traditionally invites foreign leaders to witness the spectacle. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the guest of honor last year, former French President Francois Hollande in 2016 and former US President Barack Obama in 2015. Ten Southeast Asian leaders watched the parade in 2018.

Part of the parade is a display of the country's cultural heritage as well as its military might.

For the first time, an all-women contingent of army, air force and the navy also marched in the parade.

Also, for the first time, a French army contingent marched alongside counterparts from the Indian army, navy, air force, and paramilitary troops.

The themes for the parade were 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat - Loktantra Ki Matruka' or India - the mother of democracy.

Tanks, missile systems, infantry combat vehicles and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems were displayed, with hundreds of police and military personnel marching with them. Stunt performers on motorbikes, including more than 250 women, also participated.

Many Indian Consulates abroad celebrated the Republic Day with the Indian Diaspora today. For instance, the Indian consulate in Cape Town, South Africa celebrated the Republic Day with Indian nationals, PIOs and friends of India with a flag hoisting ceremony.

Private Indian organizations also participated in celebrating the Republic Day event with the Indian Diaspora. For instance, in Sunnyvale, California, USA, Festival of the Globe Silicon Valley, an Indian community organization, celebrated the Republic Day with flag hoisting and various cultural programs. 

Meanwhile, in UAE, hundreds of people from the Indian Diaspora attended celebrations at the events organized by Indian consulates.

_{Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, Credit: Gulf News}

Celebrations of the 75 years of constitution for a young nation but old civilization that is India is a major milestone in the country’s march towards prosperity and progress; and the Indian Diaspora worldwide is marching every step ahead with the resurgent India. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, unfurled the tricolour at the Indian Consulate in Dubai at 7.30am on Friday, and Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the Indian national flag at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi at 8.30am.