India, Jan. 25 -- As the 77th Republic Day approaches, the National Capital is buzzing with rehearsals. The parade, a continuation of a British-era tradition, will begin at Raisina Hills, move along Kartavya Path, pass India Gate and conclude at the Red Fort. The event is intended to project military capability, foster patriotism, highlight diverse armed forces units and showcase gender diversity within the services.

For many, the Republic Day parade is the defining image of India's democracy, but it wasn't always this grand. Unlike today's Republic Day parades at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), the 1950 event was relatively modest but carried immense symbolic weight.

It was attended by dignitaries, foreign representatives, and thousa...