Republic Day and the Social Contract

When I first read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, it fundamentally shifted my understanding of the world. I realized that many concepts we cherish—currency, corporations, even nation-states—are human constructs. These are shared beliefs, existing only because we choose to honor them. It made me question the "motherland"—the devotion we feel for our country. Is it just an idea? And does that make it any less meaningful?

Geographically, India has always been here—its rivers, mountains, and plains forming a natural tapestry for millennia. But "India" as a nation is something more. It is an idea—a shared promise. Republic Day holds immense importance because it was on this day that we defined what India would stand for. The Constitution's coming into force on January 26, 1950, was not just a legal formality; it was a declaration of who we were, what we aspired to be, and how we would shape our collective destiny.

Nations are built on shared beliefs and collective effort. "One for all, all for one"—this phrase captures the essence of what it means to be part of a nation. At its core lies a social contract, an implicit agreement among citizens to uphold common values and contribute to a shared vision. Cooperation is the foundation of human progress, and the nation-state is one of the most powerful tools for fostering large-scale collaboration.

Soldiers fight and sacrifice their lives for the sovereignty of the country. Citizens work tirelessly to build its infrastructure and economy. Generations dedicate themselves to envisioning and creating a better future. All of this happens because of a shared belief in the nation—a belief that transcends individual interests and binds us together.

India’s story as a republic is extraordinary. A land as diverse as ours, with its many languages, religions, and cultures, united to believe in something greater. Our Constitution enshrined values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, laying the foundation for a secular, socialist, and democratic republic. These ideals were not inherited—they were choices we made as a people, a commitment to live by principles that unite us. Republic Day is a reminder of that commitment and the responsibility it places on each of us.

I still recall my first Republic Day as a civil servant, standing in Alipurduar as a young subdivisional officer, tasked with unfurling the flag. As I held the tricolour, I was struck by the gravity of that moment. That flag wasn’t just a symbol; it was a representation of the shared promise that binds us all together. It reminded me of the social contract we implicitly honor—a contract that transcends our individual roles and connects us to something far larger.

Even today, when I hear the National Anthem, I feel the familiar rise of goosebumps. I’m sure many of us feel the same—whether we hear it during Republic Day celebrations, a cricket match, or any moment that reminds us of our shared identity. It’s a visceral reminder of the strength of belief and the power of unity.

Since our independence in 1947 and our decision to become a republic in 1950, India has traveled a long road. We have made progress, faced challenges, and evolved as a nation. The Republic Day parade, with its vibrant tableaux, disciplined march-past, and cultural displays, is a grand display of these shared ideals. But beyond the spectacle lies the true essence of nation-building—the quiet, everyday contributions of its people.

What does it mean to serve the nation? For a soldier, it may mean risking life itself. For a teacher, it is shaping young minds. For a social worker, it is bridging gaps in society. For a farmer, it is feeding the nation. And for every individual, it is doing their part, however small or big, with sincerity and commitment.

Nation-building is not reserved for a select few. It is the collective effort of every citizen—working in alignment with the values enshrined in our Constitution. Whatever you do, if you perform it with dedication and in service of the social contract we all share, you are contributing to the growth and strength of the nation.

India gained independence in 1947, but it was in 1950 that we defined who we are and what we stand for. Every Republic Day, as we unfurl the flag and sing the National Anthem, we renew that promise—a promise that unites, inspires, and defines us as a nation.

Happy Republic Day!