Thu Jan 23 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Celebrates 76th Republic Day with “Golden India: Heritage and Development” Theme
**NEW DELHI** – India celebrated its 76th Republic Day with nationwide fervor on January 26th. This year’s theme, “Golden India: Heritage and Development,” highlighted the nation’s rich past and its progress. The celebrations in New Delhi featured a spectacular parade down Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), showcasing the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, police, and paramilitary forces. Floats representing 16 states, union territories, and 10 central ministries added a vibrant cultural dimension to the event.
The Republic Day commemorates the adoption of India’s Constitution on January 26, 1950, marking the transition to a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day began with the President hoisting the national flag, followed by a 21-gun salute and the national anthem. The subsequent parade and cultural performances drew massive crowds.
The Constitution, drafted by prominent leaders including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, is celebrated as a symbol of national pride. January 26th has been a public holiday since the first Republic Day in 1950, when the then-President hoisted the flag. Indonesia’s president was the chief guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day celebrations.
First Piper 