Trace how the Republic Day has been celebrated over the years.

Republic Day celebrations in India have evolved over the years, reflecting the changing priorities and aspirations of the nation. However, the underlying spirit of national pride and patriotism has remained constant throughout the years. Here is a brief history of how Republic Day has been celebrated in India over the years:

1. First Republic Day Celebration (1950) — The first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 1950, with a grand parade held at Rajpath in New Delhi. The parade showcased India's diverse cultural heritage, and it was attended by representatives from various countries.
2. First Chief Guest (1951) — The first chief guest at the Republic Day parade was Indonesian President Sukarno in 1951. Since then, India has invited guests from different countries each year to attend the celebrations.
3. Integration of States (1956) — In 1956, India celebrated Republic Day with the theme of "Integration of States." This was a significant event in India's history, as it marked the reorganization of states on linguistic lines.
4. Beating Retreat (1950s) — The Beating Retreat ceremony, which marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations, was introduced in the 1950s. It is held on January 29th every year and features a display of military bands.
5. First Presidential Address (1952) — The first Presidential address on Republic Day was delivered by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1952. Since then, it has become a tradition for the President of India to address the nation on this occasion.
6. Cultural Programmes (1960s) — In the 1960s, Republic Day celebrations included cultural programs from different parts of the country. These programs showcased the rich diversity of India's cultural heritage.
7. Military Parade (1970s) — In the 1970s, the Republic Day parade became more focused on the display of India's military might. The parade included a display of tanks, missiles, and other weapons.
8. Technology Showcase (1990s) — In the 1990s, the Republic Day parade began to showcase India's technological advancements. This included displays of satellites, space vehicles, and other technological innovations.
9. Women Empowerment (2019) — In 2019, the theme of Republic Day was "Nari Shakti," which means "Women's Power." The parade showcased women's achievements in various fields, including the armed forces, science, and sports.
10. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (2022) — In 2022, as India celebrated 75 years of independence the theme of Republic Day was "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav".
11. Jan-Bhagidari (2023) — The theme of Republic Day in 2023 was Jan-Bhagidari which means participation of people.