Republic Day

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in India Lesson 5 - Republic Day

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in India Series at HindiPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Hindi holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 5 - Republic Day. In Hindi, it’s called Gantantra Divas.

On January 26th every year, an important historic event is commemorated in India. In 1950, the new Indian state adopted its Constitution, or Samvidhaan on this day. Do you know how this historic event is celebrated?

In this lesson, we’ll talk about Republic Day in India, which is celebrated with great fervor even after so many years.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Which famous sportsperson was conferred with the Bharat Ratna as part of the celebrations of Republic Day in 2014?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

A young Indian state adopted its new constitution on January 26, 1950, which established India as a republic. Before its Independence in 1947, India was made up of separate kingdoms and regions, and was under British rule for nearly 200 years. In 1950, India officially became a republic, or gantantra. At the time it was a state with fifteen official languages, twenty-six accepted languages, and a conglomeration of five religious communities and myriad cultural communities. The celebration of Republic Day is also a celebration of India’s huge cultural diversity.

The celebrations begin each year with the President saluting the Amar Jawan Jyoti - The flame of the immortal soldier which is below the ramparts of the India Gate located in the capital. Amar Jawan Jyoti, as the name indicates, is an eternal flame burning in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the sake of establishing a sovereign India. The President salutes these sacrifices, and then awards those people who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields of work. The 'Bharat Ratna' award is the nation’s highest civilian honor.

This is followed by a festive parade on New Delhi’s famous Raj Path, which means Royal Road. The first showcase of the parade is a magnificent display by the regiments of the Indian army, navy, and air force. This is followed by tableaus of all the states of the union. Each tableau offers a display of the state’s wealth of people, music, culture, dance and dress as it proceeds down the parade route. Thousands of people gather at the Royal Road to witness this ornate display, while millions of others catch it on television in Hindi.

India’s Constitution is longer than that of any other state in the world. It has 448 articles and 118 amendments. The constitution declares India to be an independent, democratic, secular, and socialist republic.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

Which famous sportsperson was conferred with the Bharat Ratna as part of the celebrations of Republic Day in 2014?

That would be the most beloved cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket after twenty-four years of incredible performances. At age 40, he is the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna. He has also achieved many world records in cricket.