INDIANS IN Ireland marked Republic Day this week with a flag-hoisting ceremony at their embassy in Dublin.
According to Saad Guha, president of the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, the event commemorates the date (26 January 1950) when the British Queen ceased to be India’s head of state.
Asked if Indians in Ireland would have been marking the occasion, he said: “At the weekend it would have been easier, but because it’s a weekday many people would have been at work.”
In India, Republic Day is a national holiday. According to an Indian government press release: “The establishment of the Republic in 1950 was the first step towards fulfilling the dreams of citizens. The constitution laid the foundation of the structure of governance and pledged to secure justice, liberty, equality and dignity for everyone.”
It continued: “Over the years, the country was inspired by the values of freedom, tolerance and plurality. The inherent strength of our citizens hailing from diverse language, religious and cultural backgrounds contributed immensely towards the growth of the nation. During these years, India has travelled far, overcoming various obstacles and hurdles to rejoice in moments of triumph and glory.”
On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country.
The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country’s cultural heritage and military prowess. This parade is presided over by the President of India.
One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is “to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to confer bravery awards on military persons, citizenry and children for showing courage in the face of adversity.”
