Difference Between Republic Day and Independence Day

Republic Day vs Independence Day

Republic day and Independence day are two very important days for India and its population and are celebrated every year on 26th of January and 15th of August respectively. These two days are declared public holidays and celebrated as national events. With passage of time and lowering of nationalistic feelings, people have started to take these days as days to complete their unfinished tasks or just as other common holidays. This is an attitude that needs correction by bringing out the features of both days and why they are celebrated with such reverence. It is really annoying to find people from the present generation not knowing about these days and some even thinking of Republic day and Independence Day as same or interchangeable. This article attempts to highlight the differences between Republic Day and Independence Day to make younger generation aware of the importance of these two special days of great significance for the country.

Independence Day

India got independence from British rule on the stroke of midnight between the intervening days of 14th and 15th August, 1947. The day of August 15, 1947 is celebrated with great fervor in all parts of the country as Independence Day. The day reminds us of the bravery and grit of freedom fighter who fought valiantly and gave their lives for the cause of the nation. Independence Day is used by the Prime Minister of the day to address the nation and the tricolor, our national flag is hoisted from the famous Red Fort in New Delhi. The day is celebrated with gaiety as a national day in all parts of the country and the tricolor is hoisted in state capitals, cities, districts, Tehsils, villages and even in all schools of the country.

Republic Day

India got independence from British rule in 1947, but was not a republic till 1951,, until when the constitution of the country was adopted and the country was declared a Republic. The country got separated and was recognized by the comity of nations as a separate country but it still followed British constitution and acknowledged British Monarch as its head. It was only when India adopted its newly written constitution on 26th January 1950 that India became a Republic. This is why 26th of January is celebrated every year as Republic Day across the length and breadth of the country.

Becoming a Republic was significant in the sense that India got the right to choose its head of state who was to be the President of the country. This meant that C Rajgopalachari, who became the first Indian Governor General wresting title from Lord Mountbatten in 1947 also proved to be the last Governor General as after becoming Republic, we had our own Presidents and there was no need of Governor General from the monarch of Britain to be appointed.

Republic Day, though becoming symbolic today with passage of time, is nevertheless very colorful as a grand parade involving all three wings of our armed forces passes in New Delhi to showcase the strength of the country. This parade also includes Jhankis from all constituent states and Union Territories. This parade is telecast live from New Delhi on National Television and every year, a head of government is invited to witness the parade.