India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations

High Commission of India, Colombo, celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day in Colombo on 26 January 2025.

It may be recalled that it was on 26 January 1950 that the Indian Constitution-the world’s largest written Constitution- entered into force.

The Preamble to the Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.

On the occasion, Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey unfurled India’s national flag at India House – the residence of the High Commissioner of India – and inspected the Guard of Honour.

The Acting High Commissioner also read excerpts of the President of India’s Republic Day address.

The event featured songs by the Sri Lanka Navy Band and a cultural program organized by the High Commission’s cultural arm, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. India’s rich diversity was celebrated with dance and music performances.

A rendition of patriotic songs organized by ICA brought children from the Indian community together under the theme Different States, One Spirit #India.

This was followed by a captivating semi-classical dance performance by students of SVCC on the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’. The ceremony was attended by several hundred members of the Indian community.

Earlier in the day, the Acting High Commissioner and officials of the High Commission of India also paid tributes to the fallen heroes of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) at the IPKF memorial.

This Republic Day marks 75 years from the commencement of the Indian Constitution and is being celebrated under the theme स्वर्णिम भारत – विरासत और विकास (“Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas”). The theme aptly captures the spirit of Young India’s resolve to modernize and develop while keeping India’s heritage and cultural ethos intact.

Consulates General of India in Hambantota and Jaffna and the Assistant High Commission in Kandy also observed the 76th Republic Day of India by organizing special events.