Hi Friends,

We all cherish the ‘holiday’ on 26th Jan every year, but many of us are not aware of the history behind the republic day.

We all know that India obtained its independence on 15th August 1947, but it did not have a permanent constitution at that time. The laws were still being carried on from Government of India Act of 1935. On August 29, 1947, a draft committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution. BhimRao Ramji Ambedkar headed as chairman.

It took more than 2 years and the assembly met again and again, in public, before the draft was accepted with numerous modifications and iterations. On January 24, 1950, 308 members of the assembly signed the draft (both in English & Hindi). 2 days later, on 26th Jan, 1950, the constitution of India became of the law of the Indian lands. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of Independent India.

Since then 26th Jan is celebrated as Republic Day – its the President’s day !!!

Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Day_(India)