My India Republic Day Message:

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/1019668982090956

Today, Jan 26th is India’s 73rd Republic Day, which is celebrated in India and around the world.  We are very grateful for all of the contributions our Indian American community makes to Morrisville, the Triangle Region and the entire state of North Carolina.  

Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India and thus, turning the nation into a newly formed republic.

The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic day because it was on this day in 1929 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by the British Regime.

While India’s Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of two years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation.

As we celebrate India Republic Day, let us also be mindful that we cannot take Democracy for granted in our own Republic, the United States of America. On this day let us make a promise to strive for justice, voting rights, honoring the outcomes of free and fair elections and for peace and unity among all who are fortunate enough to live in freedom.  

Liberty will never die if we always fight for it.  

The father of India, Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in this world.” and those words are relevant even today, no matter where you are. Be a Leader. Make the Difference. 

Wishing you a very Happy Republic Day 2022!