Mon Jan 26 03:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Nehru’s Legacy Endures as India Celebrates Republic Day

The Story:
On the 26th of January, 2026, the author reflects on the enduring legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru in India’s Republic Day celebrations. The article posits that despite attempts by current Prime Minister Narendra Modi to diminish Nehru’s influence through renaming Rajpath to Kartavya Path and constructing new governmental buildings, Nehru’s impact remains indelible. The date January 26th itself is a testament to Nehru’s legacy, as it was the day he declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ (complete independence) in 1930. The author argues that Nehru’s influence is woven into the very fabric of the Republic Day celebrations, the constitution, and the annual parade.

Key Points:

  • January 26th was declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ day by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1930.
  • Nehru unfurled the tricolor and read the pledge of independence in Lahore.
  • Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal’s father, facilitated his son’s appointment as Congress President on December 29th, preceding the Purna Swaraj declaration by just 27 days.
  • August 15th, 1947, while significant, is considered intertwined with colonial legacies, in contrast to the Nehruvian ideal represented by January 26th.
  • The framework of India’s constitution is rooted in the Government of India Act, 1935, established by the British.
  • B.N. Rau, a trusted ICS officer, served as the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly, crafting the initial draft of the constitution after extensive research and adopting the British model.
  • Nehru acted as a “national event manager” in establishing traditions such as the Republic Day parade and the “At Home” reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, inspired by British colonial practices.
  • The author questions the extent to which the modern Republic Day celebrations truly represent the Indian populace versus a continuation of British-Nehruvian traditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru’s influence on India’s post-independence identity and institutions, particularly the Republic Day celebrations, is profound and enduring.
  • Efforts to erase or diminish Nehru’s legacy may be challenging due to its deep historical and cultural roots.
  • India’s governance structures and traditions, even in the 21st century, retain elements of both British colonial practices and Nehruvian ideals.
  • The article prompts reflection on the true representation of the Indian populace within the Republic Day celebrations and whether they signify continuity rather than complete transformation.
  • The author highlights a continuity of power and tradition, arguing that subsequent prime ministers, including Narendra Modi, are inheritors of a system shaped by both the British and Nehru.

    Read More

Related News: