Vice-President calls for commitment to founding principles of Indian republic

India will celebrate its 61st Republic Day tomorrow, January 26, 2010.

Across the nation, security has been beefed up with special emphasis given to the national capital.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who arrived Sunday afternoon on a four-day state visit, will be the chief guest at the Republic Day function in Delhi.

Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India marking the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950.

Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Monday greeted the people ahead of the celebration.

In his message, Vice-President Ansari said, "We should remain firm in our commitment towards the founding principles of our republic of social justice, liberty, equality and fraternity and collectively face the challenges ahead."

"I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens on the celebration of our country's Republic Day," he added.

He noted that in the "country's journey along the path of democracy, we have achieved many successes and have had our moments of glory."

However, the country is not yet free from poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy. Therefore, he called for commitment towards the founding principles of the Indian republic.