Dailymirror.news, january 26th, 2025: As India celebrates Republic Day 2025, it is a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress made over the past 75 years. Since the Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, the country has witnessed a transformation driven by the foundational principles of discipline, hard work, and commitment enshrined in the Constitution. Let us delve into the milestones that have shaped India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.

Key Highlights:

  • Consistent progress over seven decades.
  • Rights granted by the Constitution have accelerated development.

Republic Day 2025 marks the story of India’s evolution from freedom to responsible governance.
India gained independence in 1947, but it was the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 that truly set the stage for nation-building. The energy and commitment to self-governance and societal progress have only strengthened over the last seven decades.

Leveraging its immense human resources, India has taken strides toward self-reliance, emerging as a nation the world looks up to. On global platforms, India’s voice now carries weight, reflecting its growing stature.

The credit for these achievements lies in the Constitution, which has instilled discipline and a sense of duty, making citizens diligent and hardworking. The Constitution not only granted rights but also reminded citizens of their responsibilities, restoring India’s ancient identity as a “Vishwaguru” or global leader.

Milestones of India’s Progress

  1. Universal Suffrage
    On January 25, 1950, a day before the Constitution was enacted, the Election Commission was established. The first major legislative act of the Republic was granting universal adult suffrage through the Representation of the People Acts of 1950 and 1951. These laws laid the groundwork for electoral processes, including voter registration, constituency delineation, and the entire election procedure.
  2. Hindu Code Bill Reforms
    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar introduced the Hindu Code Bill in 1951 to modernize Hindu personal laws. Despite initial resistance, it led to transformative reforms such as the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, which prohibited polygamy and introduced divorce, and the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, which granted women equal inheritance rights.
  3. Abolition of Untouchability
    The Constitution outlawed untouchability, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act of 1955 penalized discriminatory practices. Further, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989 addressed violence and caste-based discrimination.
  4. Reorganization of States
    The Seventh Constitutional Amendment of 1956 reorganized states based on linguistic lines. This began with the creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953, following Potti Sriramulu’s hunger strike for a Telugu-speaking state. The movement set a precedent for the formation of states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
  5. Anti-Defection Law
    The Anti-Defection Law, introduced in 1985 and strengthened in 2003, curbed political defections. It now mandates that two-thirds of a party’s legislators must agree for a valid merger, promoting political stability.
  6. Panchayati Raj
    The dream of grassroots governance became a reality with the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992, establishing Panchayati Raj institutions and reserving one-third of seats for women. The 74th Amendment institutionalized urban municipal governance.
  7. Right to Information (RTI)
    The RTI Act of 2005 revolutionized governance by promoting transparency and accountability. It empowered citizens to seek information from public authorities, fostering a culture of openness in administration.

A Legacy of Progress

Over 75 years, India has consistently overcome challenges, from abolishing regressive practices to implementing transformative laws. With each passing decade, the nation has grown stronger, upholding its democratic ideals and paving the way for a brighter future.

As we celebrate Republic Day 2025, it is evident that India’s journey is a testament to the strength of its Constitution and the collective effort of its citizens. From a developing nation to a global leader, India’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and progress.