Friday, January 25, 2008

Indian Republic: What does it mean?


India is the largest democracy in the world. This not happens over night; two-and-a half years after India won Independence from British rule, our leaders decided to set-up a constitution to create rules and principles on basis of which our country would be governed. For this work they formed a constituent assemble and selected leaders from all over nation where assemblage as our nation approved the constitutions and brought into force. The constitution was written by then Law Minister and the leader who had often opposed Gandhiji, B.R. Ambedkar with Jawaharlal Nehru as first Prime Minister of India.

The constitution was finalized after three years work by of assemble in which it contained features from British, French and American constitution. It established parliamentary democracy in which the constitution is supreme. It lists the fundamental rights as citizens of India, such as the freedom of speech and right to freedom of religion. There are also fundamental duties such as to protect the dignity of women, to value the rich heritage of our composite culture and to preserve forests and wildlife.

The idea of the Republic was taken from a book by the same name by Greek philosopher Plato in which he describes an ideal state, ruled by the people. Every single citizen got the right to vote, making our country the largest democracy in the world and the strength of our constitution has been proved by the smooth and secure general elections. Though our republic is 58 years old and the history that goes back to 5,000 years, our society still contained many injustices, discrimination by reserving employment, seats in school and colleges for the oppressed people and denied equal rights over centuries. Still the county can’t pass the 33 percent reservation for women’s that have been pending for past 10 years. The constitution should aim in clearing the wrong and to declare into one word of human that India will be an equal secular republic with people of different religion, tradition and culture...

The most important and highlight of Indian republic is, parades. The first parade was held in 1950 at Irwin stadium, today which was National Stadium. To marking the event, every year a grand parade conducted in the capital is a lavish affair of showcasing India's advancement in military affairs by marching columns presenting the armed forces, accompanied by army vehicles and military band troops. Decorated conveyances from different states of India and the traditional folk artists performance from across the country floats the street from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Red Fort. Beating the retreat on the third day marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations that takes place in an ancient military custom of sending drummers through the streets just before sunset to warn the troops to return to their barracks before the flag is lowered for the night. The bands always play the ancient hymn `Abide with me' and as the bands fall silent a solitary bugler takes up the hymn's refrain.

12 comments:

Alok said...

Republic to me means identity Jeevan ... My own identity amongst zillion others

BTW I necessarily don't believe in reservations ... once you get into this loop there is no coming out and we have already seen that with other reservations that are there already in place .. there are many other ways of doing things other than reservation .. collective effort and wisdom doesnt require enforcement ..


Alok

Jeevan said...

Alok – i too don’t believe and in reservation or in this counting percentage nothing going to bring a great change. I feel every thing is in knowledge, awareness and education could bring a turn.

Anonymous said...

lovely reading this post & the background of this important event....its very true many of the visions conjured by our freedom fighters has not been fulfilled & our society just has almost remained the same or further deteriorated in the last 60 years of our independence & our Political structure has really been the main culprit of this situation!

Annie said...

This is very interesting, Jeevan. I've always heard that India is the largest democracy but hadn't known all the details you provide. Happy Republic Day. I'll abide with you.

tulipspeaks said...

sorry for going off topic here, but can u explain why Tamil gov has declared Ponggal as Tamil New Year? at least, thats what we heard here.


ammu.

ViJaY said...

hi... Belated Happy republic day wishes to all Indians!! Jai Hind!!!

P.S. I have tagged you. Do visit my blog and do write a post. Thank u..

Kavi said...

the republic stands tall !

Tom said...

Hi Jeevan
Thank you for taking the time to comment over on wiggers world... I have a bit to do this morning, so I will call back later and catch up on your post and pictures.
All the best
Tom

gP said...

the dynamics of India will keep it strong no matter who tries to break it. In silence lies powers, in every Indian soul born there, or not but we are connected to the motherland. Jai Hind.

Keshi said...

Wut a brilliant post Jeevan.

Obtaining an identity also means distributing it eqaully among ur fellow countrymen. Are we able to say that India has achieved that? I hope so?

Keshi.

monsoon dreams said...

hello jeevan,
loved going thru your blog.why dont you post more of your paintings?

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeevan, i like ur blog.
after seeing ur proflie I think u are aptly named Jeevan "vital" , great going buddy