Dawn of the Republic

There was a rush in the building and little Maya aged 7 was hurrying to clothe herself. Her father was a military general and they lived in a society mostly inhabited by military officers. Today was the day before Republic day and as Maya left her room she ran into her dad’s military suit that was lying in his room. As thoughts about republic day ran over her mind she muttered “What is so special about tomorrow”. Suddenly she heard a voice which she had never heard before she turned back and side but there was no one in her house as her dad was gone to his camp and her mother was on the ground helping with the ceremony. “Who is that, “said Maya astonished hearing the sudden voice.

“It’s me, Maya. I’m your father’s military suit. I am your father’s best companion in his training, and I protect him while fighting. I was surprised to know that you don’t know about republic day “said the suit. “Please tell me, my friend, I want to know about it, “said Maya. “I will tell you about this man who changed our history” started the suit

 “Dr.B.R.Ambedkar was born on April 14 1891 Ramji sakpal and Bhimbai. He was named Bhīma because his face was radiant. Ramji Sakpal faced many difficulties sending his children to school in addition to that he also taught them himself. continued the suit“Oh! Then how did he manage to study” enquired Maya. “Though it was hard he was treated with affection by only one teacher named Ambedkar. Did you know when one day they were eating? His teacher decided to bestow upon him his own name!“ Told the suit “Later Ramji sakpal shifted with his children to Bombay where they resided in only one room that served as a kitchen, bedroom, and study room”.

      “However, despite all the hardships Bhim stayed like an owl to study all through the night while his siblings slept. He also used to go the charni road and there he would often meet the renowned scholar and social reformer K.A.Keluskar”. the suit added

“Wow, it seems like Bhim was very studious did he get a good position because of his studies,” asked Maya.

“Yes, you are right he was the first in his community to pass the matriculation exams and hence, his community honoured him by conducting a meeting to felicitate him with a book on the life of Buddha. He was appreciated by his former mentor Shri Keluskar and SK, Bole”.

             “After graduation, he got selected by the state of Baroda and he studied in Columbia University in the network. He was happy to be there he was able to study as much as he liked. You know every day he would study for 18 hrs and finally, he was awarded his MA degree in 1915 and later his PhD. But despite his degrees He continued to study and get a degree in law from Grays Inn London and later undertake further studies in Economics and studies from Bonn University.” the suit complimented

             “He must surely be honoured in India if he studied in various universities“added Maya

        “Absolutely, when he can back, he got a job as a lecturer at Syderbann College in Bombay in Nov 1918. Everybody thought that he was a brilliant scholar and an excellent teacher. 2 yrs. later he resumed his study of economics and law in London but sadly his allowance was not enough to buy all the books he needed. So, he studied from morning till evening at the British museum library. He also saved money to buy some books to take to India and in 1923 he returned to India and qualified as a Barrister and scholar in economics.” answered the suit

“But how did he become a freedom fighter, “asked Maya

         “He found out that his qualifications meant nothing because of the situation that prevailed in India by then and back then he could not continue his practised because of that, therefore, he decided to work for the upliftment of his society. He founded an association called Bahishkrit Hitarkarni sabha and opened hostels, schools and libraries. And then one day he was nominated to the Bombay Legisfrative council.

            He did a great job in uplifting the lives of the poor and dear. On 24 September 1932, he signed the Poorna act which said that instead of separate classes more representation should be given to depressed classes and hence the division of people was prohibited.

         The viceroy appointed him as the labour minister in the executive council. At a reception in his honour, he said that he was born of the poor’s and slept like them on damp floors covered with sackcloth and shared their sorrows but till now he will remain unchanged in his attitude to the rest of the world. He formed the All India scheduled caste federation in 1942. And when India gained independence, he was appointed the first law minister. The constituent assembly was led by him, and he drafted the constitution which is declared as the world’s longest constitution belonging to the world’s longest democratic republic.

             On 4 November 1948, He presented his draft to the constituent assembly. He appealed to them as Indians of a nation to discount Easter which has brought separation in social life, Jealousy and hatred. And finally, the constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949 the constitution was adopted and this same day 73 years ago the constitution came into effect and is celebrated as Republic day.” replied the suit

“I want to know how this day is celebrated,” asked Maya

“Even today it is celebrated as one of India’s national festivals and many celebrations take place on this day. In New Delhi each year a parade is hosted to honour our president. Usually, chief guest from other countries is invited to witness this marvel wherein there is a wonderful display of each military regiment, marching bands, air shows, a showcase of tableaus from different states and different kinds of acrobatic displays and dances that are performed. Generally, this festival lasts for a week starting from the 23rd of January which is considered the birthday of the great freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose and ends on Martyrs Day on the 30th of January. At the beginning of the festivities, the president hoists the national flag and honours the monument of Amar Jawan Jyothi. A Chief guest from another country is invited to witness this ceremony. As each display passes the saluting base the whole formation salutes the president. In the case of marching bands, the leading person twirls his baton. At the end of the festivities, there is a closing ceremony known as beat in the retreat.

. And Dr B.R. Ambedkar brought honour to his community and became the father of the Indian constitution “concluded the suit.

“Wow!!!! What an amazing tale now I really want to prepare for this day “said Maya “I’m glad that now you know about it“replied the suit. Maya rushed downstairs to the ground to help in the next day’s celebrations.