76th Republic Day

• 27 Jan 2025

For Prelims: Republic Day, Padma Awards, Gallantry awards, Central Armed Police Forces, Indian Coast Guard, President’s Medal for Gallantry, Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards, Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Etikoppaka Bommalu 

For Mains: India's democratic values and Constitution, Indian National Movement 

Source: TH 

Why in News?

India celebrated its 76^th Republic Day (26^th January 2025), with the theme 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,' highlighting military strength, development, and cultural diversity, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest.  

• Republic Day in India is a national observance that commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26thJanuary 1950, which established India as a republic, reflecting its democratic values and rich heritage. 

What are the Key Highlights of the 2025 Republic Day Tableaux? 

• Tri-Services Tableau: For the first time, a Tri-Services Tableau was featured, underlining the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 
  • The theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India) was exemplified by a display of integrated operations across land, water, and air. 
  • The tableau included representations of indigenous defense technologies like the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, and INS Visakhapatnam destroyer. 
• DRDO Tableau: Themed ‘Raksha Kavach–Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’, displayed cutting-edge innovations for national security.  
  • The Tableau showcased key technologies like the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, Medium Power Radar - Arudhra, Drone Detection System, Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Dharashakti Electronic Warfare System, and Indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems, highlighting India's focus on indigenously developed defense technologies for national security. 
• States Tableaux:  

States/UTs	Theme
Andhra Pradesh	“ Etikoppaka Bommalu - Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys”
Bihar	“Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas (Nalanda Vishwavidyalya)”  Depicted the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.
Chandigarh	“Chandigarh: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage, Innovation and Sustainability”  Showcased  city's role in film production.
Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	“Daman Aviary Bird Park along with Kukri Memorial - A tribute to the valiant sailors of the Indian Navy”
Delhi	“Quality Education”
Goa	“Cultural Heritage of Goa”   Showcased Diwija festival and Kaavi art forms blending tourism with local heritage  Goa, known as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' is renowned for its beauty, culture, beaches, and hospitality.
Gujarat	“Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas”  Showcased 12th-century Kirit Toran (arches) from Vadnagar and C-295 Transport Aircraft Assembly Unit.
Haryana	Showcasing Bhagwad Gita and Krishna’s teachings
Karnataka	Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft.  Lakkundi  in Karnataka's Gadag district is a significant Jain center. It is a historic site with ancient temples like Someshwara and Jaina Basadi, reflecting Chalukya dynasty contributions.   Protected by the State government, it is proposed for the UNESCO World Heritage Site tentative list.
Madhya Pradesh	“Madhya Pradesh’s Glory: Kuno National park- The land of Cheetahs”
Punjab	“Punjab as the land of knowledge and wisdom”
Tripura	“ Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura - Kharchi Puja”
Uttar Pradesh	“Mahakumbh 2025 - Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas”  Depicted the celebration of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (Triveni Sangam).
Uttarakhand	“Uttarakhand: Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports”
West Bengal	“ The ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ & ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ - Empowering Lives and Fostering Self-Reliance in Bengal”

What are the Key Highlights of the 76th Republic Day? 

• Padma Awards: 139 Padma Awards have been conferred on 76th Republic Day. These include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.  
  • Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.  
  • Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.  
  • Padma Vibhushan is the highest, followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri in the Padma Awards hierarchy. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.  
• Gallantry Awards and Defence Decorations: President conferred Gallantry awards for 93 Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. 
  • These include Kirti Chakras, Shaurya Chakras, Bar to Sena Medal, Sena Medals, Nao Sena Medals, and Vayu Sena Medals. 
  • Gallantry awards are announced twice a year, on Republic Day and Independence Day. 
  • Gallantry Awards:  
    • Wartime Awards: These awards honor bravery in the face of the enemy, primarily for armed forces personnel.  
      • Notable awards include the Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, and Vir Chakra. 
    • Peacetime Awards: These awards recognize bravery in non-wartime situations and include the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.  
      • These can be awarded to armed forces, paramilitary forces, police, and civilians. 
    • Other Gallentry Awards: The Sena Medal (Gallentry) honors distinguished service in the Indian Army, with a Bar to Sena Medal (Gallentry) for subsequent acts of bravery.  
      • The Nao Sena Medal (Gallentry) is awarded for courage or duty in the Navy, while the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallentry) recognizes bravery or exceptional service in the Air Force. 
  • Defence Decorations: The President conferred  305 defence decorations, including Param Vishisht Seva Medals, Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, Yudh Seva Medals, Bar to Sena Medal, Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), Nao Sena Medals, Vayu Sena Medals, Bar to Vishisht Seva Medals, and Vishisht Seva Medals. 
    • Param Vishisht Seva Medals: Recognize distinguished service of exceptional order. 
    • Uttam Yudh Seva Medals: Awarded for distinguished service during war or conflict. 
    • Ati Vishisht Seva Medals: Recognize distinguished service of exceptional order. 
    • Yudh Seva Medals: Awarded for distinguished service during war or hostilities. 
    • Bar to Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty): Awarded to recipients of Sena Medal for further acts of devotion. 
    • Vishisht Seva Medal: High-order service, with a Bar for subsequent awards. 
• PTM and TM Medal: President conferred the President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) for Indian Coast Guard personnel on 76th Republic Day. 
  • These awards recognise their acts of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty, and distinguished/meritorious service.  
• Services Personnel: A total of 942 personnel from Police, Fire Services, Home Guard & Civil Defence (HG&CD), and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals. 
  • Police Gallantry Medals: Announced twice a year, these medals acknowledge bravery and exemplary conduct by police personnel.  
    • The President’s Medal for Gallantry is awarded for exceptional courage in saving lives or preventing crime, while the Police Medal for Gallantry recognizes acts of bravery during duty. 
  • President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM): Awarded for special distinguished service records. 
  • Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM): Given for valuable service characterized by dedication and devotion to duty. 
• Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards: On the 76th Republic Day, 49 Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards were conferred, recognizing civilian bravery in saving lives.  
  • The awards are given in three categories: Sarvottam, Uttam, and Jeevan Raksha Padak. 
  • Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: For conspicuous courage in saving a life under very dangerous circumstances. 
  • Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: For courage and prompt action in saving a life under great danger. 
  • Jeevan Raksha Padak: For courage and prompt action in saving a life under conditions involving grave bodily injury.

Note: Raman Rajamannan, Kerala’s tribal king of the Mannan community, attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, marking the first time a Mannan king participated.  

• The Mannan community consists of approximately 3,000 members, spread across 46 settlements mainly in Idukki district, Kerala. 
  • The community originated in Tamil Nadu, where their ancestors fled during the Chola-Pandya war and sought refuge in Idukki’s forests, forming a small kingdom. 
  • The Mannan community is governed by a traditional system, with the Mannan king at the top, supported by a council of ministers (kaanis) and deputies (upa rajas). 
  • The Mannan tribe follows a matrilineal system, with lineage and inheritance passing through the mother. It has 36 sub-castes, and members often marry outside the community (exogamy). 

What is the Significance of Republic Day? 

• Republic Day: 26th January 1950, India’s Constitution came into force, marking the country’s transition to a sovereign democratic republic.  
  • The Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949. 
  • The day honors the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution, with  26th January specifically chosen to commemorate the Indian National Congress (INC)'s declaration of Purna Swaraj on 26th January 1930. 
• Purna Swaraj Declaration (1930): On 19th  December 1929, the INC passed the 'Purna Swaraj' (total independence) resolution at its Lahore session.  
  • A public declaration was made on 26th January 1930, which the INC urged Indians to celebrate as Independence Day. 
  • From 1930 to 1947, January 26 was celebrated as Independence Day or Poorna Swaraj Day to mark the pursuit of full sovereignty. 
• Unfurling: On Republic Day, the President of India 'unfurls' the national flag, symbolizing the country's shift from a British colony to a sovereign republic.  
  • The flag is rolled and attached to the top of the pole, and the President unveils it as a commitment to democratic values. 
  • In contrast, on Independence Day, the Prime Minister 'hoists' the flag from the bottom to the top, symbolizing the rise of a new nation, freedom, and patriotism after colonial rule.  
    • These actions, though similar, represent different historical and symbolic contexts. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Analyze how the adjective 'Republic' in the Preamble influences India's governance structure and its impact on national polices. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Q. What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January 1950? (2021)

(a) A Democratic Republic 
(b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic 
(c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic 
(d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic 

Ans: (b)

---

Mains 

Q. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances? (2013)