World wishes India on 72nd Republic Day

Google Doodle celebrated India’s 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday by portraying the country’s diversity and culture sketched in saffron, white, green and blue- the colours of the national flag.

The doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Onkar Fondekar, focused on the country’s vibrant cultures, regional diversity, and architecture.

On this day 72 years ago, India’s Constitution came into effect and it officially became a sovereign Republic. In his colorful artwork, Fondekar featured musical instruments like the dholak (a two-headed hand drum) and the sitar (a long-necked stringed instrument), the people of India, cricket and dance, among other elements.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wishes India on the 72nd Republic Day. “What wonderful coincidence it’s of our history that Jan 26 Australia Day, is India’s #RepublicDay, a national day shared b/w friends. Australia-India share more than national day. We pursue same ideals-democracy, freedom, liberty, diversity, enterprise, opportunity,” he said.

“Our history is long and our connections are many. With each year, we become even closer. The global pandemic has not divided us but has made us appreciate these shared ideals even more,” Morrison added.

In his video message to celebrate the birth of an “extraordinary Constitution” that established India “as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world”, the UK PM reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. “I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this important occasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas our common struggle against COVID has kept me in London,” said Johnson.