Skip to main content

Why do we celebrate Republic Day? Annie Mascarene's 1949 speech explains significance of Republic Day

As we gear up to celebrate India's Republic Day on January 26th, the past beckons. It makes sense to look back and learn something new about the era that we know so little about. Not merely for the purpose of sending WhatsApp greetings or messages, the significance of Republic Day is definitely worth contemplating upon.
                                                     (Image: Pexels)

Significance of Republic Day

Anyone familiar with India's history or law knows the significance of Republic Day. For a large section of the society, Republic Day is just another gazetted holiday, a break from a hectic work schedule and one of those rare days that can be enjoyed while watching every state showcase its unique cultural dimensions as part of the Republic Day parade.

But so much of history, brimming with electrifying sentiment and passion for the nation's glorious breaking away from the colonial mould, is still unknown to many Indians.
Constituent Assembly Debates
An exploration of the Constituent Assembly debates is a goldmine of information that every Indian should study to understand the nation's real metamorphosis. 
When you read through the debates of these extraordinary Indians, men and women who were not just intellectual giants but they came with a passion so rare, a determination and dedication so sincere, every word from these debates is worth studying!
Deeply inspiring and thought-provoking is Annie Mascarne's speech to the Constituent Assembly on 18th November 1949. While her speech is a gentle reminder to Indians about the significance of India's Constitution, she is also candid about the 'imperfections ascribed to our Constitution' by others.
A persuasive counter argument that Annie urges every Indian to consider is reflected in her address to the Constituent Assembly. 
She asks, "France started its Constitution with the storming of the Bastille, and it had to wait 100 years before it could frame its Constitution; meanwhile it swung between dictatorship and republicanism. Is there any other nation in the world today which deliberately elected a Constituent Assembly which sat for three years continuously and framed its Constitution?" 
                                                        (Image: Pexels)
Why is India called a Republic? 
Representing the then state of Travancore, here is Annie Mascarane's speech before the Constituent Assembly of India. This is available for reference in the Constituent Assembly debates, Vol X - 6th to 17th October 1949.

"We are, Sir, on the eve of a historic occasion, when this ancient sub-continent of ours, which had been a laboratory of political experiments of nations in the world, which had been a caravanserai, where nation after nation and sultan after sultan came and went their way, is going to solemnly declare by the sovereign will of its people, a Sovereign Democratic Republic, to secure justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for all its citizens.

Never in the history of the world, Sir, has a nation of such magnitude and population, with a history and tradition of non-violence, culture and sacrifice, fought and defeated the mightiest Empire in the world, with a galaxy of distinguished leadership that stands before time like beacon lights, has declared its sovereign will to lay down a democratic constitution.

When passion is high after the end of two world wars in history, when reason and common sense are at a discount and principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are resounding such intoxicating music in our ears, it is at this time, Sir, that we, the greatest nation in the world, have decided to frame our Constitution....
This is the first instance when heterogeneous interests in a continent state like India have united themselves to form a homogeneous unit in order to lay rules and regulations that should lead us or guide in future to live a national life."
More delightful of all is the fact that the Constituent Assembly embraced an inclusive approach. Wondering how? Giving equal space for Indian women to not only voice their views on highly technical aspects of drafting the Constitution of India but also encouraging them to disagree and debate on all issues related to India's emergence as a sovereign republic. 
Surely, members like Annie Mascarene would have been pleased to know that their words, a precious legacy and a part of India's constitutional history, is leading us back to them and to take inspiration from them so many decades later.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being born
180 comments
Read more

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v
1 comment
Read more

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.    The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. .  Also read: The Power of OM   Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here are some important thi
39 comments
Read more

Malayalam film Sara 's on Amazon Prime is a bold take on a woman's right to abortion

Sara's Malayalam movie review: Malayalam cinema is known for breaking stereotypes even when its male audience may find it clearly unpalatable. One of the recent Malayalam films this year that I really found thought provoking is 'Sara's' on Amazon Prime despite the fact that it has many sketchy areas in its narrative and I do not support Sara's personal choices. [READ: Prithviraj starrer Mumbai Police breaks stereotypes!] Sara's Malayalam Movie Review: To have a child or not should be a woman's decision 'Sara's' is a film that urges Malayalis to give a 'woman' more independence about deciding whether she is ready to marry, and if she is, if she wants to have a child and if that choice comes under scrutiny, the final choice should be hers alone - it is her body, her life - not the guy's. This is something I personally believe in - a woman should never be forced to do anything against her will by anyone. No matter how you view it, a man
Post a Comment
Read more

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefit of Chanting and Who can Chant the Mantra

Mahadmrityunjaya Mantra: Benefit of chanting this mantra There are very few mantras that are as powerful as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Do read my post: Does Mahamrityunajaya mantra really work?       Mahamrityunjaya mantra is believed to have the power to remove all sufferings, diseases and bestow the one who chants it with good health and long life.   It is also believed that constant contemplation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra can help spiritual aspirants to overcome the cycle of birth and death. What got me fascinated about this mantra is something personal.  I learned this mantra from my father but it is my maternal grandmother who chanted it all the time and repeatedly told me of its tremendous power to protect. However, I did not chant this mantra regularly.  At the age of two, my son was taught some mantras by my mother who explained what it means to him and he became very enthusiastic about chanting the mantras. Following this, my mother taught him the Maha Mrityun
26 comments
Read more