Celebrating India Republic Day

January 26, 1950 marked the transition of India from a British Dominion to a Republic and adopted the Constitution which came into force on this day although our Great Country was declared independent on 15th August, 1947. Hence every year on January 26, a grand parade is held in New Delhi, Capital of India. The President of India who is the Commander-in Chief of the armed forces, takes the salute from different regiments of the Army, Navy and Air Force that march past in all their official splendour. This day makes so special to all of us in many ways.

What I specially like on this eve:

1. The Indian National Flag in Tricolour that inspires patriotic feelings in us. The saffron colour on the Flag top signifies courage & sacrifice, the white in the middle for peace & truth, the deep blue chakra [a wheel ] that simbolises progress, equality, fraternity and justice ] and the green stands for agricultural abundance.

2. The children -National Bravery Award winners - astride the elephants is one of the best cheered sections of the Republic Day parade.

3. The Republic Day celebration is a three day extravanganza with NCC cadets display various breath-taking performances and drill, beating the retreat etc, all this we can watch on TV.

4. The Government of India announces the country's highest civilian awards on the occassion of this Republic Day.

(A) Bharat Ratna [Jewel of India or Gem of India] is India's highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. This service includes artistic, literary, and scientific achievements, as well as "recognition of public service of the highest order."

(B) Padma Vibhushan is India's second highest civilian honour. It consists of a medal and a citation and is awarded by the President of India. It is awarded to recognize exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in any field, including government service.

(C) Padma Bhushan award is an Indian civilian decoration awarded to recognize distinguished service of a high order to the nation, in any field.

(D) Padma Shri (also spelled Padma Shree, Padmashree, Padma Sree and Padma Sri) is an award given by the Government of India generally to Indian citizens to recognize their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Medicine, Social Service and public life.

This year the Awards for B, C & D have been announced to be presented by President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil in March / April. I congratulate the following personalities from Hyderabad whom met on different occassions and admire them of their achievements:

• Professor Nookala China Satyanarayana [87] Carnatic vocal maestro who was conferred the prestigeous Padma Bhushan Award (I listened to his talk & talented voice in one of our meeting in Rotary Club).
• Shri A V S Raju -an industrialist who composed more than 24,000 poems and entered Guinness Book of Records for penning the largest single volume biography of Sri Satya Saibaba of Puttaparthy. He was awarded Padma Sri. ( I met him few years back in my professional capacity ). Shri Raju is also conferred with Life Time Achievement Award by IPA during a forthcoming function in which I will be taking part as receipiant of the IPA Proficiency Award -Practising Company Secretary 2009.

Wishing You & Your Family A Very Happy Republic Day - 26 January.