India celebrates 76th anniversary of Republic Day

On 26 January, India celebrates its Republic Day, one of the country's most significant dates, marking the coming into force of its Constitution.

This year, the celebration is special as it commemorates 76 years of the Constitution of India. The central theme of the event, "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas" (Golden India: A Legacy of Heritage and Progress), highlights the country's cultural legacy and developmental achievements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the central event of the celebrations, along with President Droupadi Murmu. 

Earlier in the day, the Indian Prime Minister extended Republic Day greetings to the nation via social media.

"Happy Republic Day. Today, we celebrate 75 glorious years of being a Republic. We bow to all the great women and men who made our Constitution and ensured that our journey is rooted in democracy, dignity, and unity. May this occasion strengthen our efforts towards preserving the ideals of our Constitution and working towards a stronger and prosperous India"

Narendra Modi Indian Prime Minister

The celebration began with a demonstration of the National Flag, accompanied by an interpretation of the national anthem, according to IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

A highlight was the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest. This was his first state visit to India. Prabowo also attended an official reception hosted by President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential residence.

The Ministry of External Affairs stressed that President Prabowo's visit will strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Indonesia, now a member of the BRICS group, expressed its gratitude to India for supporting its accession to the grouping of emerging economies.

Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar, in an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, said Indonesia is a strategic partner and a maritime neighbour with which India shares long-standing cultural and civilisational ties.

"The membership of Indonesia in BRICS expands BRICS presence in a very new area, geographically, but also a very fast-expanding area so far as the economy is concerned. It will not only provide further economic contacts and cooperation within the fold of BRICS but also enrich BRICS deliberations on a number of issues of importance for the region and the wider world generally"

Vinay Kumar Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed congratulations, emphasising the Indian Constitution's importance and the development of relations between the two countries.

“The Constitution that came into force 75 years ago laid the foundation for building effective state institutions [...]. Since then, your country has achieved universally recognised successes in socio economic, scientific, technical and other fields and has gained well-deserved authority in the international arena. Russian-Indian relations are based on special and privileged strategic partnership. I am confident that we will use joint efforts to continue to consistently build up productive bilateral cooperation across all areas, as well as constructive interaction in international affairs"

Vladimir Putin Russian President

India's Republic Day commemorates the coming into force of its Constitution in 1950.

Photo: iStock