The Economic Times

Souvenir plates and sweets: How India celebrated its first Republic Day in 1950 for just Rs 11,093

India prepares for its 77th Republic Day parade. This grand event will highlight military might and cultural richness. In contrast, the first Republic Day in 1950 saw humble celebrations. These focused on welfare for displaced families and children. Early events were decentralized and budget-conscious. Today's parade represents a significant evolution in scale and purpose.