History of Indian Republic Day Purna Swaraj Declaration : On January 26, 1930 , the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its goal. This date was later chosen to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. Drafting of the Constitution : After India gained independence on August 15, 1947 , the process of drafting the Constitution began. The Constituent Assembly , chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar , started drafting the Constitution on December 9, 1946 . The final draft was adopted on November 26, 1949 , and came into effect on January 26, 1950 . A Sovereign Republic : The adoption of the Constitution replaced the Government of India Act (1935) . India became a sovereign, democratic republic , with the President as the head of state. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took office as the first President of India on the same day. Why January 26? The date was chosen to honor the historical significance of the 1930 Purna Swara...