As the global technology elite descend upon the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi this February for the India AI Impact Summit, the conversation is undergoing a fundamental shift. We are moving past the era of "AI potential"—the glossy keynotes and speculative forecasts—and
A massive winter storm is impacting over 118 million Americans with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Bitter cold grips the nation east of the Rockies. More than one million customers have lost power across eight Southern states. Thousands of flights are cancelled
US weather update: A severe winter storm across the continental United States, caused widespread flight cancellations and delays across major airports across the country, impacting nearly 180 million people during the weekend, AP reported.US weather update: A severe winter storm across the
At precisely 10.18 am on Thursday, January 26, 1950, India formally completed its transition from a British Dominion to a Sovereign Democratic Republic. In the high-domed Durbar Hall of Government House in New Delhi, the outgoing Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari
Republic Day 2026: India honours its journey from freedom to democracy through two powerful traditions, hoisting the Tricolour on Independence Day and unfurling it on Republic Day. Each ritual reflects a defining moment in the nation's history and constitutional spirit
January 26, 1950: How India’s first Republic Day unfolded
At precisely 10.18 am on Thursday, January 26, 1950, India formally completed its transition from a British Dominion to a Sovereign Democratic Republic. In the high-domed Durbar Hall of Government House in New Delhi, the outgoing Governor-General, C Rajagopalachari, read out the proclamation announcing the establishment of the Republic of India.
Shortly thereafter, Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the first President of India, while Jawaharlal Nehru continued in office as Prime Minister under the new constitutional order.
In his address after taking the oath, Prasad drew attention to the historical weight of the moment, observing that the country was entering “a new phase of our national life” in which authority would henceforth flow from the Constitution and the people. He reminded the nation that independence had now been placed on a firm legal foundation, stating that the Constitution was intended to serve as “the instrument through which the will of the people shall find expression”.
The choice of January 26 was deliberate. The date marked the twentieth anniversary of the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930, when the Indian National Congress had proclaimed complete independence as its goal. While August 15, 1947, marked the end of colonial rule, January 26, 1950, marked the commencement of self-governance under a Constitution framed by Indians themselves.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Rajendra Prasad set out in a ceremonial procession through the streets of the capital. He travelled in a 35-year-old state coach drawn by six Australian horses, escorted by the President's Bodyguard. The 8-km route from Government House to the Irwin Stadium – now the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium – was lined with large crowds. Citizens filled the pavements, balconies, rooftops, and trees to witness the first public procession of the head of state of the Republic.
Speaking earlier in the day, Prasad had emphasised the collective nature of the new political arrangement, noting that the success of the Republic would depend not only on institutions but also on civic conduct.
“Whatever the Constitution may or may not provide,” he said, “the welfare of the country will depend upon the way in which the people and those in authority conduct themselves.”
At the Irwin Stadium, the celebrations took on an international character. The chief guest was President Sukarno of Indonesia, symbolising India's engagement with newly independent nations of Asia and its interest in fostering cooperation among countries emerging from colonial rule.
The ceremony included a 31-gun salute, the unfurling of the national tricolour by President Prasad, and a march-past by the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. The parade was limited in scale, consisting largely of infantry units and mounted regiments, reflecting the character of the early Republic's armed forces rather than the mechanised displays of later years.
Underlying the day's public ceremonies was the coming into force of the Constitution of India at midnight. Drafted by the Constituent Assembly, with BR Ambedkar as chairman of the Drafting Committee, the Constitution established India as a sovereign, democratic republic and defined the framework of governance.
In his address, President Prasad underlined that the Constitution was not merely a legal document but a guide for public life. He stated that it sought to secure “justice, liberty, equality and fraternity” for all citizens, and cautioned that these ideals would acquire meaning only through their faithful application in everyday governance.
One of the Constitution's most significant provisions was the adoption of universal adult franchise. By granting the right to vote to every adult citizen, regardless of literacy, property, gender, or social standing, the new Republic extended democratic participation to nearly 300 million people.
As evening descended, New Delhi was illuminated to mark the occasion. Public buildings, including the North and South Blocks of the Secretariat, were lit up, and the capital remained crowded well into the night. In his first message to the nation as president, Prasad reiterated that the Republic was founded on responsibility as much as on rights, reminding citizens that “democracy depends upon the capacity of the people to govern themselves”.
January 26, 1950, thus marked the operational beginning of the Republic of India. With the Constitution in force and the first President installed, sovereignty was vested in constitutional institutions and, through them, in the people of India.
Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Motorola Signature launching in India on 23rd January UFBU calls for all-India bank strike on January 27 demanding five-day work week Japan to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant on January 21 Tarot Card Reading For January 23 Tarot Card Reading For January 24 Gold rate today (January 24 Tarot Card Reading For January 25 January Winter Calls For A Warm Bowl Of Sweet Corn Soup Today Gold, Silver Rate January 25 New-gen Renault Duster set for India comeback on January 26
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) now has a new chief. Yadav family scion and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav has been appointed the party's national working president by Lalu Prasad Yadav, giving the party a young face to boost its presence in Bihar's vibrant politics
Just now
In Budget 2025, the government increased the standard deduction under the new tax regime from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, effectively pushing the tax-free income limit for salaried individuals to Rs 12.75 lakh. Experts believe that if there is any further hike
Just now
Viral video: A couple reportedly from UP has gone viral on Instagram and other social media platforms after they got married amid heavy snowfall in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Viral video: A couple reportedly from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Just now
Anne Frank reminds us that even in times of fear and uncertainty, nature and quiet reflection can offer comfort, hope, and a sense of peace. “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God
Just now
Less than two weeks into the new year, the US State Department posted an image on its official social media account declaring in capital letters, “100,000 visas revoked.” The message highlighted the immigration crackdown that has marked US President Donald Trump's first year back in
Just now
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the Election Commission is in the process of making public the list of “unmapped” and “logical discrepancy” voters after it was uploaded on the ECI website. West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal has said that the
Just now
In an age of viral workouts and overnight transformations, Kareena Kapoor's approach to fitness feels refreshingly grounded. Instead of chasing trends or aesthetic-only goals, the actor's training philosophy centres on strength, endurance, and functional movement
Just now
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Republic Day wishes to India, highlighting the "real results" of the US-India relationship through cooperation on defense, energy, and critical minerals. He emphasized the Quad's role in advancing shared objectives for the Indo-Pacific region
Just now
Indian rap icon Badshah turned heads on Instagram on January 21 with a visually arresting post that blended swagger, street energy, and high fashion. Perched confidently atop a car, Badshah struck a relaxed yet commanding pose as a crowd gathered around him, visibly drawn to his presence
Just now
This recognition to Vijay Amritraj, Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Praveen Kumar mark their significant contributions to Indian sports across different formats and generations. Former India captain Rohit Sharma, Indian women' team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Para-athlete Praveen Kumar are set
Just now
Apple is widely expected to introduce a redesigned MacBook Pro later this year, marking the first significant overhaul of the professional laptop line in nearly half a decade. While the company has not confirmed any details, multiple industry reports point to major changes in design
Just now
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that the announcement of the Padma Bhushan for veteran actor Mammootty was a moment of deep satisfaction and pride.Speaking at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024 presentation ceremony, the Chief Minister said it was fortunate for the present
Just now
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his wishes to the nation on the occasion of Republic Day. In two early morning posts on the day in Hindi and English, PM Modi highlighted India's goal to move towards its “Viksit Bharat” resolve
Just now
Samsung Electronics plans to start production of its next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, or HBM4, next month and supply them to Nvidia, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.Samsung has been trying to catch up with cross-town rival SK Hynix
Just now
Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away on Sunday at the age of 84. A key figure in Indian cricket administration, Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and led the Punjab Cricket Association for over three decades. Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra
Just now
NEW DELHI: Ahead of Republic Day, a provisional list of this year's Padma Awards has been released, as per sources. Those believed to be on the list are said to represent individuals with long-standing contributions across diverse fields. The awardees are from varied regions
Just now
The price of gold has risen above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time ever, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025. It comes as tensions between the US and NATO over Greenland have added to growing concerns about financial and geopolitical
Just now
Google celebrated India's 77th Republic Day with a special Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) themed doodle, marking a successful year of India's space agency. These include ISRO missions such as Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan. The Google Doodle for Republic Day 2026 showcases stalletiles, orbits
Just now
Celebrate Republic Day 2026 by sharing heartfelt wishes, messages, images, and GIFs with your loved ones on 26 January. Let this day remind us of unity, freedom, and pride in our Constitution. India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26
Just now
In a nail-biting finish, Bournemouth triumphed over Liverpool courtesy of Amine Adli's last-minute strike. This defeat marked Liverpool's seventh of the league season, with Bournemouth initially taking control thanks to goals from Evanilson and Alejandro Jimenez.In a nail-biting finish
Just now
Canada is pursuing a strategy to boost trade beyond the United States. Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated the nation will not be deterred by recent threats from the Trump administration. Canada aims to double its non-US exports within ten years
Just now
India is mulling over the invitation to join the US -led Pax Silica initiative for securing supply chains of semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing, officials told ET.Although New Delhi is keen on becoming part of the new trusted
Just now
Matheus Cunha could land into trouble after the Brazilian inspired Manchester United to a thrilling comeback win over table toppers Arsenal in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. In what looked like a draw until the 87th minute, Cunha's stunning long-ranger stunned the Gunners
Just now
A case has been filed against three persons for allegedly vandalising the shrine of 18th century philosopher and Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie, ANI reported on Sunday. The persons are allegedly linked to a Hindutva group. The shrine
Just now
In a heartbreaking news, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Inderjit Singh Bindra died at the age of 84 on Sunday. Bindra is survived by a son and daughter. Bindra, who played a major role in ushering a new era of cricket marketing
Just now
IS Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996. He was a key figure in Indian cricket administration and led the Punjab Cricket Association for many years. Inderjit Singh Bindra, the former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), popularly known as I.S. Bindra
Just now
Some places linger in your memory long after the last course is served or the music fades, not just for the food or the ambience, but for the way they make you feel. They slow time, spark conversation, and turn an ordinary evening into something quietly special
Just now
