India's First Republic Day: A Historic Dawn of Sovereignty on January 26, 1950

• January 26, 1950, marked India's transformation into a republic, severing colonial ties and adopting its own Constitution.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as India's first President at 10:24 am at Government House, New Delhi, replacing the Governor General.
• The President's flag, designed by NP Chakravarti, featuring symbols like the Sarnath lion capital and Ajanta elephant, was hoisted after a 31-gun salute.
• A grand ceremonial drive through New Delhi, passing landmarks like Vijay Chowk and India Gate, was followed by a public ceremony at Irwin Amphitheatre.
• President Prasad unfurled the national flag and took the salute as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, with Indonesian President Sukarno as chief guest.

Why It Matters: India became a sovereign republic on January 26, 1950, with Dr. Rajendra Prasad as its first President.