Who Was the First PM to Address the Nation on Republic Day?

President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron lead the festivities at Kartavya Path

Republic Day 2024: India marked its 75th Republic Day on Friday, January 26, 2024, with a grand celebration of its democracy, diversity, and development. The occasion commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, which made India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

The main event of the day was the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), where President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the marching contingents. She was accompanied by the Chief Guest of the event, President Emmanuel Macron of France, who arrived in India on Thursday for a three-day state visit.

The parade showcased the military and cultural prowess of the nation, with various tableaus, floats, and performances depicting the themes of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka” (India – Mother of Democracy). The parade also featured a flypast by the Indian Air Force, a motorcycle display by the Daredevils team, and a cultural program by school children.

The parade was followed by the President’s address to the nation, in which she highlighted the achievements and challenges of the country in the past year and outlined the vision for the future. She also praised the bilateral relations between India and France and thanked President Macron for his presence and support.

The President also conferred the Padma Awards, the highest civilian honors of the country, to 119 eminent personalities from various fields of art, literature, science, sports, social service, and public affairs. Among the awardees were Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, singer Lata Mangeshkar, actor Amitabh Bachchan, and environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

The Republic Day celebrations also witnessed the participation of the public in various events across the country, such as flag hoisting, cultural programs, rallies, and competitions. The day also saw the launch of several initiatives and schemes by the central and state governments, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the National Education Policy, and the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Remembering the Legacy of the First Address:

This year’s Republic Day holds a special significance, not just for marking a milestone anniversary, but also for reminding us of the nation’s rich democratic heritage. It was on this very day in 1950, after the adoption of the Indian Constitution, that the nation embarked on its journey as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

Jawaharlal Nehru: Architect of Modern India and the Voice of a Newborn Republic:

It was none other than the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered the inaugural address to the nation on that historic day. Nehru, aptly referred to as the “Architect of Modern India,” played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s post-independence trajectory. His address on the first Republic Day was a powerful testament to his vision for a democratic India, one that embraced inclusivity, tolerance, and progress.

Echoes of “Tryst with Destiny” Still Resonate:

Nehru’s iconic speech, known as “Tryst with Destiny,” resonated throughout the nation. He spoke of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, urging the citizens to build a future based on the principles enshrined in the Constitution. His words, even after seven decades, continue to inspire generations of Indians and serve as a guiding light for the nation’s continued democratic journey.

History and significance of Republic Day

Republic Day is not only a celebration of the Constitution of India, but also a tribute to the freedom fighters and the leaders who shaped the destiny of the nation. The Constitution of India was drafted by a Constituent Assembly, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, after a long and arduous process of deliberation and debate. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act of 1935 as the governing document of the country.

The date of January 26 was chosen as the Republic Day because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) from the British rule, following the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi. The date thus symbolizes the aspiration and the attainment of the sovereignty of the nation.

The first Republic Day parade was held in 1950 at the Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium) in Delhi, where President Rajendra Prasad took the salute of the armed forces. The first Prime Minister to address the nation on Republic Day was Jawaharlal Nehru, who delivered his speech from the Red Fort in 1951. Since then, the Republic Day parade has been held at various venues in Delhi, such as the Ramlila Maidan, the Kingsway Camp, and the Rajpath, before being shifted to the Kartavya Path in 2023.

The Republic Day parade has also seen the participation of various foreign dignitaries as the Chief Guests over the years, reflecting the diplomatic and strategic ties of India with the world. The first Chief Guest of the Republic Day parade was Sukarno, the President of Indonesia, in 1950. Since then, India has hosted leaders from various countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, the Soviet Union, France, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and South Africa. The Chief Guest of the 75th Republic Day parade, President Emmanuel Macron of France, is the fifth French leader to grace the occasion, after Charles de Gaulle (1966), Jacques Chirac (1976 and 1998), Francois Hollande (2016), and Emmanuel Macron (2024).

The Republic Day parade has also evolved over the years, incorporating new elements and innovations to reflect the changing times and the emerging trends of the country. Some of the notable features of the parade include the display of the latest weapons and equipment of the armed forces, the inclusion of women and children in the marching contingents, the representation of various states and union territories through their cultural tableaus, the introduction of new themes and slogans, and the use of technology and social media to enhance the reach and impact of the event.

The Republic Day parade is not only a spectacle of pomp and glory, but also a reminder of the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution of India, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The parade also showcases the unity in diversity of the country, as well as the achievements and aspirations of its people. The parade is a source of pride and inspiration for every Indian citizen, and a symbol of the strength and resilience of the nation.

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