India celebrates her glorious 74^th Republic Day on January 26, 2023, which marks the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect (26 January, 1950). Though India attained Independence on August 14, 1947, she didn’t have a permanent constitution until 26^th January, 1950. Prior to 1950, Indian laws were based on the Government of India Act – 1935, which was the UK’s Act of the Parliament.

An interesting and less-known fact is the significance of 26^th January – not just from 1950 but from 1930! The Congress party had passed a resolution demanding Purna Swaraj or ‘Total Independence’ (from British Rule) on the last Sunday of January 1930, which was January 26, as Independence Day! The Indian flag was hoisted all over India on 26^th January, 1930. Thus, Independence was proclaimed on 26^th January, 1930, but attained on 15^th August, 1947, and the Constitution was adopted on 26^th January, 1950, exactly two decades after the dream and proclamation of total Independence.

The significance of the Constitution lies in the fact that it ensures that those who make decisions on behalf of the public fairly represent public opinion. It also sets out ways to make those in power accountable to the people they serve. The constitution is the foundation on which the edifice of democracy is built and functions. It defines the rights and responsibilities of a citizen over state and other persons.  It also determines the duty of the state and the duty of the individual vis a vis the country.

26^th January is a reminder to what ‘we the people of India had solemnly resolved to constitute India into’ – ‘a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic’ and to secure to all its citizens:

1. Justice – social, economic and political;
2. Liberty – of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
3. Equality – of status and of opportunity, and to promote among them all,
4. Fraternity – assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

As 23^rd January also marks the birthday of the national hero, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, this day is also celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’ or day of courage. Netaji continues to be fondly remembered, was initially influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and had joined the Indian National Congress. But he also had the courage of his convictions to differ with Gandhi and the Congress, to move on and walk his own path, on his own terms. He refused to follow herd-mentality, which is the test of a true leader.

In 1930, he was imprisoned for a year, during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Later, he was expelled from India to Europe but taking advantage of the situation, he worked to strengthen the ties between the two countries. He had the ability to turn adversity to his advantage, which is yet another quality of a good leader.

Netaji believed that reality is, after all, too big for our frail understanding to fully comprehend. Nevertheless, we had to build our life on the theory which contains the maximum truth. One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.

The following are two famous quotes of Netaji to aptly conclude this article:

“The greatest crime is to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law: you must give if you want to get.”

and

“Freedom is not given, it is taken.”

Long live the letter and spirit of our magnificent Constitution and long live the courageous spirit of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose! Happy Republic Day to all!