The Republic of India was proclaimed on 26th January 1950. India is a Sovereign Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary form of Government based on universal adult franchise.

The Indian constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on the 26th November 1949 and it came into force after two months on 26th January 1950. Because the Indian Government wanted the inauguration on 26th January 1950 to highlight this day as we the Indians, were celebrating Independence Day on 26th January every year since 1930, prior to 15th August 1947.

Our Constitution guarantees: Justice,: Social Economical & Political liberty, Faith & Worship: Equality of status & opportunity.

A special set of 4 stamps were issued on 26th January 1950, to commemorate the inauguration of the Republic of India. The designs of the stamps are simple and symbolic. The first 2 annas stamp is intended for inland postage, depicts children watching procession of cavaliers carrying flags and blowing trumpets which herald India’s attainment of full Nationhood. The second 3½ annas stamp is intended for foreign Sea Mail, depicts a quill and an ink pot against the back ground of Mahatma Gandhiji’s favourite hymn “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.”, symbolize Nation’s Education. The third 4 annas stamp intended for registration, depicts an ear of grain and a plough, symbolize Bharat as an Agricultural Country. The last 12 annas stamp intended for foreign Air Mail depicts Charkha, symbolize of Bharat Cottage Industry.

These stamps would remain on sale until stocks were exhausted, concurrently with existing stamps. A folder containing the full set of 4 values, was issued on the day at Re.1/-, 9 annas and 6 pies each. The blank first day cover was priced 1 anna each or Re.1/-, 4 annas and 0 pies for a packet of 25 or Rs.5/- for 100 envelopes, vide Postal Notice No.51 dated 17th January 1950.

Special Cancellations

A Special Cancellation was provided at Philatelic Bureaux only, at Bombay, Calcutta, Cuttack, Madras, New Delhi, Simla, Lucknow, Patna, Shillong and Nagpur. Private First Day Covers are also found. The Special cancellation on First Day Cover depicts the name of the city in Hindi language and the date in English. A mysterious cancellation in Hindi is also found, which is very, very scarce. It reads “BHARAT REPUBLIC DIWAS / 26 JANUARY 1950 / JAI BHARAT. It is being found used only from Delhi and Gwalior.

Special Cancellations on 1st and 3rd Anniversary of Republic Day are also found. 5th Anniversary cancellation is combined with issue of Five year Plan Stamps. These cancellations are cute.

Readers are requested to send their query/comments to Mr. Ashok Kumar Bayanwala,96, Swastik Society, Navarangpura, AHMEDABAD-380009, INDIA or email to Prashant H. Pandya