Although, India gained independence from the British rule on 15 August, 1947, the declaration of the spirit of independence became a reality on 26 January, 1950. It was this day when the Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India came into force. Ever since then, this day is celebrated as a Republic Day all over the country with much fervor and enthusiasm.
In New Delhi, kaleidoscopic images of India's rich cultural diversity and the might of its military forces are displayed on the Republic Day. The spectacular celebrations include march past by the three armed forces, massive parades, traditional folk dances, and aerial shows by the Indian Airforce, and much more. Participants are selected from different parts of India.
However, the celebrations this time, which happens to be the 60th Republic Day, were not as grand as usual owing to the security concerns. Thick security was positioned at all the strategic places across the country and a surface-to-air shield was put in place in the national capital.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharp-shooters of the elite NSG were deployed at various locations while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos kept a tight vigil along the route of the Republic Day parade. Furthermore, nearly 20,000 gun-toting policemen fanned out across Delhi, stepping up the security measures especially in the backdrop of Mumbai carnage. Owing to the security concerns, even the Republic Day celebration programs were cut down. This is the reason why we could see only a few tableaus and traditional folk dances this year.
The Republic Day of 2009 was also different in a way because this is the first time a Prime Minister skipped the January 26 Republic Day celebrations. While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh watched the celebrations from the hospital, Defence Minister A.K. Antony performed all his customary duties.
A complete strike was observed in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) on the Indian Republic Day, with businesses, offices, banks and courts remaining closed. On the other hand, the tainted promoters of Satyam Computers, Ramalinga Raju and Rama Raju, and the former chief financial officer Srinivas Vadlamani were ordered to stay away from the flag hoisting ceremony and other celebrations of the Republic Day.
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