A look into the significance of USA’s Independence Day and the importance of India in the journey of the world’s oldest democracy
4 July, every year, is celebrated as the Independence Day of the United States of America. Popularly known as the Fourth of July, it is regarded as the National Holiday of USA.
The day marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776.
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress of America made its decree for freedom and two days later they formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4. This declaration was used throughout the American Revolution to inspire troops to continue fighting.
The birth of the USA from British Rule and the subsequent declaration of fundamental rights and sovereignty is regarded as the world’s first democracy in history.
USA-India Constitutional Connection:
The Constitution of the USA is regarded as the world’s oldest Constitution and the first declaration of fundamental rights for all citizens.
From the start, India’s Independence leaders were heavily influenced by the American concept of a document written: “of the people, by the people, for the people”.
The USA, ‘drafting its own Constitution right after its Independence’, had a very strong influence on the architects of Independent India of 1947.
The Preamble of both India and USA documents starts with the same three stirring words: ‘We the people,’ a phrase that somehow confers equality, humility and self-possession.
India’s Fundamental Rights; which include the abolishment of all forms of untouchability, mirror America’s Bill of Rights. Both guarantee freedom of speech to its citizens. As the US rejoices the foundation of its democracy today, India continues to be a strategic partner nation for the USA spanning decades.
Also read: http://diplomacybeyond.com/economic-survey-2019-tabled-in-parliament/
