The first Republic Day Parade, and Presidential inaugurations | #37

Which two states appear most often at Republic Day parades?

January 26th is celebrated as Liberation Day in Uganda, Australia Day in Australia and Duarte Day in Dominica. But to most Indians it is a holiday where we celebrate the creation of one of the most remarkable pieces of legislative documentation ever produced - the constitution of India.

(The first Republic Day parade)

Things we learnt this week

1. Republic Day is associated with a chief guest, usually the head of state from another country. There is a lot of thought that goes into the selection of a guest. India is usually flexible but insists on one condition - the guest has to be present throughout the ceremony. Flimsy excuses such as “Shitty internet” are definitely not allowed.

2. January 26th was chosen as Republic Day to honor the first proclamation of Poorna Swaraj in Lahore in 1929. The session took place close to the Gulabi Devi hospital - which was setup by Lala Lajpat Rai in the memory of his mother who died of Tuberculosis.

3. Nothing tells you it is Republic Day more than the tacky tableaus put together by the state, union territory and government ministries. You may not spot every state as there’s an elaborate process to select these tableaus. Interestingly, in the time period between 2010 and 2020, only Karnataka and Jammu Kashmir have showcased tableaus in every parade. 

Quiz Announcement

A national holiday and a quiz by the legendary Dr Navin Jaykumar, what more can you ask for? Register here for the 4th edition of the Great India Quiz. We are extremely privileged to be joined by journalists Shutapa Paul and Rachel Lopez as our panelists. 

From Twitter, with Love

1. Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America. Our thread about presidential inaugurations. Did you know that for a few hours in 2009, the USA did not have a president as the Obama oath was taken incorrectly? 

   India Wants To Know - Panel Quiz Show @IWTKQuiz

   In a few hours from now @JoeBiden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the US. Since this topic will trend🤞🏾 we figured we'd tell you some fun stories about US Presidents and their inaugurations.

   

2. ‘Fiber Optics’ - the term was coined by an Indian scientist Narinder Singh Kampany. He passed away last month. Our thread honoring his contributions. 

   India Wants To Know - Panel Quiz Show @IWTKQuiz

   The field of applied science and engineering concerned with the design and application of optical fibers is known as fiber optics. Did you know that the person who coined it was from India? Narinder S. Kapany, passed away last month, is considered the father of Fiber Optics.

   

Things we’re reading / watching / listening to:

1. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: The forgotten Hero - Today is the 124th birth anniversary of the remarkable Subhash Chandra Bose, fondly called Netaji. This movie will stay with you for a long time thanks to the stellar performances, and outstanding music by AR Rahman.

2. JL50 is movie where a CBI officer is tasked with investigating a plane crash. It turns into a top secret mission as they realize that the plane actually took off from a Calcutta airport 35 years ago. Watch this a one-of-a kind Indian take on time travel that blends mythology and history.

Watch the seventh episode of India Wants To Know, presented exclusively on Southbay:

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