Parwinder SandhuNew Delhi, Jan. 26 -- Seventy-six years ago, infused by the constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, India entered a new chapter of self-governance with the proclamation of the Republic on January 26, 1950.
The historic announcement was made during a solemn ceremony held in the brightly illuminated high-domed Durbar Hall at Government House, now known as Ganatantra Mandap. At exactly 10:18 am on the morning of Thursday, January 26, 1950. India was formally declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic, and six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the nation's first President.
The birth of the Republic and the assumption of office by the President were marked by a 21-gun salute shortly after...