The 76th Republic Day is being celebrated in India in 2025, marking 75 years since the Constitution came into force. The theme for Republic Day 2025 is “Golden India – Heritage and Development.” The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was chosen as the chief guest for Republic Day 2025.
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was introduced in the Constituent Assembly by Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 December 1946 and was accepted on 22 January 1947. The Indian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. After independence, the Constitution of India was written under the leadership of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar to provide a framework for governing the country. It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete. Every year, 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day to commemorate the implementation of the Indian Constitution on 26th January 1950.
The first Republic Day parade was held on Rajpath in Delhi in 1955. On this day, the President hoists the tricolour, and a 21-gun salute is given annually. The term “Republic” is derived from two words: Gana and Tantra. In the Vedic period, Gana meant a group or assembly, while Tantra meant a system or framework that unites a group of people. This is the essence of democracy, which is the foundation of the Republic. Thus, Republic Day signifies the implementation of the Indian Constitution.
The words “socialist,” “secular,” and “integrity” were later added to the Preamble of the Constitution by the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, during the Emergency (25 June 1975 – 21 March 1977). These changes were made through the 42nd Amendment. The words “socialist” and “secular” were inserted between “sovereign” and “democratic,” and “unity of the nation” was revised to “unity and integrity of the nation.”
India is a fully sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic country. These principles reflect self-reliance, self-respect, and equality from social, economic, and political perspectives. Freedom is the cornerstone of self-reliance, self-respect, and equality. Freedom of expression, thought, belief, faith, and worship is central to the identity of independent India. Thus, the Constitution, standing as a bridge between heritage and development, is the identity of India’s republican system.
Self-confidence fosters self-reliance. As stated in the Bhagavad Gita: “Nayam Atma Balhinen Labhyah,” which means that the soul cannot be attained by the weak. Self-confidence is the mother of self-reliance, and the two are complementary. Self-reliance leads to independence, and independence is essential for self-respect. Mahatma Gandhi envisioned Ramrajya (the rule of Lord Ram) as the basis for a self-reliant India. Gandhi’s Swarajya—a system governed by public representatives meeting the needs and aspirations of the people—formed the foundation of his concept of Ramrajya.
In today’s context, while India aims for self-reliance, the influx of foreign goods and privatization poses challenges. Unemployment and the rising suicide rates highlight the urgent need to revisit Gandhi’s ideas of self-reliance and equality through Ramrajya. Political parties must embrace Gandhi’s philosophy to ensure India becomes truly self-reliant and self-respecting.
India has inherited the concept of Ramrajya from its ancestors, which needs preservation. The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a symbol of cultural heritage. The revival of the temple, marked by the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram, stands as a testament to India’s heritage, with credit given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Heritage, the assets and traditions passed down from ancestors, forms the cornerstone of a nation’s development. India holds a unique position globally due to its rich historical, cultural, and economic heritage, characterized by diverse religions, languages, and traditions. India’s heritage can be categorized into three types: cultural, natural, and mixed. Cultural heritage includes tangible elements such as buildings, monuments, and artifacts, as well as intangible elements like traditions, folklore, and language. Natural heritage encompasses landscapes and biodiversity, while mixed heritage combines cultural and natural elements. India is home to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 15 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, showcasing the nation’s invaluable legacy.
Indian scriptures like the Ramayana (Valmiki), Mahabharata (Ved Vyas), Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), and texts like the Vedas and Upanishads reflect India’s golden heritage. Ayurveda, derived from the Atharva Veda, has elevated India’s status in global medical science. Similarly, Yoga Darshan by Maharishi Patanjali has led to the global celebration of International Yoga Day on 21 June.
India, the land of sages and gods, has a spiritual legacy epitomized by figures like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Dashavatara (the ten incarnations of Vishnu), as described in the Garuda Purana, further enriches India’s heritage. Traditions inherited from these sages and gods make Indian culture unique and unparalleled.
The Kumbh Mela, recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2017, is another example of India’s rich traditions. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, held in Prayagraj after 144 years, represents a unique confluence of culture and spirituality. The holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati converge in Prayagraj, offering devotees the promise of salvation through ritual bathing.
The roots of the Maha Kumbh are linked to Hindu mythology and the story of Samudra Manthan. It is believed that drops of nectar fell at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik—making them sacred. The Maha Kumbh is a blend of religious and cultural festivities, drawing millions of devotees, saints, and tourists.
Culture is pivotal to national development, and a country’s growth is intrinsically tied to its heritage. India’s intact heritage is a testament to its resilience and progress. Thus, we can affirm that India’s heritage, a reflection of its golden past, is the foundation of its future development.
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