Virat Kohli, Neeraj Chopra lead wishes from sports fraternity as India celebrates 73rd Republic Day

India has dived into celebrations as the rich and diverse country is celebrating its 73rd Republic Day, a day celebrated to honour the prestigious Constitution of India which came into force in the year 1950. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and plenty of important personalities have, hence, been busy involved in the Republic Day parade in the national capital, New Delhi on Wednesday.

On the occasion, PM Narendra Modi tweeted and wrote, "Wishing you all a happy Republic Day. Jai Hind!"

President of India Ram Nath Kovind also addressed the nation on the eve of the R-Day celebrations nationwide. He told the countrymen in his speech, "My heartiest greetings to all of you, in India and abroad, on the eve of the 73^rd Republic Day! It is an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indian-ness. It was on this day in 1950 that this sacred essence of us all assumed a formal shape. That day, India was established as the largest democratic republic and ‘we the people’ put into effect a Constitution that is an inspired document of our collective vision. The diversity and vibrancy of our democracy is appreciated world-wide. It is this spirit of unity and of being one nation which is celebrated every year as Republic Day. This year’s celebrations may be muted due to the pandemic, but the spirit is as strong as ever."

ALSO READ | Padma Shri for Neeraj Chopra and 5 others, Devendra Jhajharia to be honoured with Padma Bhushan

Wishes have been pouring in from the sports fraternity as well. The likes of Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Neeraj Chopra, Sania Mirza and many others have also taken to their respective Twitter handles to lead wishes on the landmark day for the nation. Here are some wishes from the sporting icons of the country:

ALSO READ | India's Olympic hero Neeraj Chopra to be awarded with Param Vashistha Seva Medal on Republic Day

For the unversed, this year's celebrations are all the more special as it falls in the 75th year of Independence. Thus the celebrations are marked as the 'Azaadi ka Mahotsav' across the country. Moreover, the yearly R-Day celebrations will now last from January 23-30. January 23 marks the birth anniversary of one of the great Indian freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whereas 30th of January is observed as the Martyrs' Day.