HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY - 2017

10 Facts Every Indian Must Know

- Earlier, January 26, 1930 was celebrated as India's Independence Day or Purna Swaraj Day, when the Declaration of Independence was officially promulgated. In a resolution passed by the Indian National Congress, it declared Purna Swaraj - complete freedom from the British Raj.

- However, in 1947, since August 15 became the official Independence Day, the Indian Constitution was adopted on this day in 1950, to mark the 1930 declaration.

- The first Republic Day was celebrated in 1950, three years after we attained independence.

- President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first chief guest at the R-Day celebrations held on January 26th, 1950.

- On January 26, 1950, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad took oath at Durbar Hall of government house.

- Republic Day is not just a one-day celebration. The celebrations are spread over 3-days and end with the Beating Retreat on January 29.

- Rajpath wasn't always where the R-Day parade was held. During 1950–1954, the celebrations were organised at different venues including Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila Grounds. It was only after the parade was held at Rajpath in 1955 that the venue became the permanent location for holding the celebrations.

- In 1955, Pakistan's Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the first chief guest for the parade held at Rajpath.

- Abide With Me, a Christian hymn by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte, is always played during R-Day parade because it was one of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite songs.

- It is on this day that the gallantry medals are awarded.

This year Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will act as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebration. The Republic Day parade will be led by a group of 179 soldiers from the UAE.

The National Security Guard (NSG) will debut in this year’s event and the 140 commando team will showcase its exceptional skills during the event. It is expected to sing the NSG anthem – Hain Na Hai Na Hum Hindustan, Hum Rang Rang Hain, Phir Bhi Sang Hain – penned by Gulzar. The anti-hijack team will also put in a performance as well as the anti-sabotage team.

The CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Explosives) team will be on show as well. This is a group of commandos who are advanced terror fighters and use radiation protective suits in order to protect themselves and others from the kinds of threats that have been mentioned above. The team of deep divers, who are capable of killing people underwater, will take part in the celebration as well.

Sherpa, an armoured vehicle that comes with bullet proofing and is an anti-hijacking car, will be introduced during the celebration. It can work underwater and also withstand strong blasts, and thus can be considered a significant addition to the NSG unit.