On August 15, 2025, the Ambassador of India to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Raveesh Kumar, celebrated on the occasion of the Republic Day of India at the India House in Prague. Members of the Indian community as well as friends of India from politics, business, culture, and diplomacy attended the event. The program combined official speeches with artistic performances, offering a festive atmosphere that reflected both tradition and the present of India.

The India House, is the residence of the Indian Ambassador, the elegant atmosphere of the historic building, combined with the warm hospitality of the Indian Embassy, lent the event a special dignity.

What is the Republic Day of India?

The Republic Day of India is one of the three most important national holidays of the country, alongside Independence Day (August 15) and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). It is celebrated every year on January 26.

The origins of the holiday date back to 1950, when the Constitution of the Republic of India came into force. After gaining independence from Britain in 1947, the Constituent Assembly drafted the new Constitution, transforming India into a sovereign, democratic republic. While August 15, 1947, marks India’s political independence, January 26, 1950, symbolizes the institutional and legal foundation of the young nation.

The date of January 26 was not chosen by chance. As early as 1930, the Indian National Congress had declared this day as the day of ‘Purna Swaraj’ – complete independence. By bringing the Constitution into force on this exact date, the historical demand for freedom was directly linked with the beginning of republican order.

Today, Republic Day is celebrated with great ceremony throughout India. The central event is the grand parade in New Delhi, showcasing both the strength of the Indian armed forces and the cultural diversity of the nation. Indian embassies worldwide, including in Prague, also hold their own celebrations.

The celebrations in Prague 2025

In Prague, the evening began with a formal address by Ambassador Raveesh Kumar, who emphasized the historical significance of Republic Day and at the same time highlighted India’s current challenges and opportunities. He reminded the guests that India today is the world’s largest democracy with over 1.4 billion people and a dynamic economy that plays an increasingly important global role.

Representatives of the Indian community also spoke, stressing the diaspora’s role as a bridge builder between India and the Czech Republic. A cultural highlight was the performance of Indian folklore, presented by dancers in colorful traditional costumes. Traditional music, singing, and dance offered a vivid impression of India’s cultural richness and were warmly applauded by the audience.

Following the official program, the embassy offered a buffet with Indian specialties. In a relaxed atmosphere, guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas, establish new contacts, and deepen existing relationships.

India–Czech Republic relations

Diplomatic relations between India and the former Czechoslovakia were established shortly after India’s independence in 1947. India was among the first non-European countries to engage with Prague after World War II. Since then, ties have steadily grown.

Today, relations between India and the Czech Republic are marked by a wide range of cooperation:

– Economy: Czech companies are active in India in sectors such as engineering, automotive, energy, and defense cooperation. India, in turn, has become an increasingly important trading partner for the Czech Republic.
– Culture and education: Many Indian students study at Czech universities, particularly in medicine, engineering, and science. Meanwhile, there is growing interest in India in Czech culture, literature, and music.
– Politics: Regular consultations at ministerial and ambassadorial levels highlight the friendly dimension of relations. At the EU level, India is regarded as a key partner, with Prague often supporting New Delhi’s initiatives.
– Tourism: Increasingly, Indian travelers discover the Czech Republic as a destination, while Czech visitors are drawn to India’s unique mix of spirituality, history, and modernity.

Conclusion

The Republic Day 2025 celebration at the India House in Prague was more than a diplomatic formality. It demonstrated the vibrancy of the Indian community in the Czech Republic and the depth of the friendly ties between the two nations.

India presented itself as a proud democracy, rich in tradition and open to the future. For Czech and international guests alike, the event was an opportunity to experience India not only politically, but also culturally and personally.

Just as the Constitution of 1950 laid the foundation for India’s modern history, today’s cooperation between India and the Czech Republic sets impulses for a shared future – based on exchange, mutual respect, and growing trust.