Watch in pics Indian Presidents at Republic Day parades

New Delhi: New Delhi's historic Rajpath has over a period of time become synonymous with the annual Republic Day event, but the boulevard that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate was not the venue of first Republic Day celebrations marking the birth of the Republic.India gained its independence on 15 August 1947, after which the process of preparing a Constitution was started.The Constitution was passed on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly. It was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, when the country became a republic in the true sense. 26 th January was selected, because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress at its session in Lahore on the banks of river Ravi passed the resolution of complete Swarajya.Exactly 65 years ago, after having thrown off the British colonial yoke, a free India assumed the mantle of a “Sovereign Democratic Republic” on January 26, and an amphitheatre named after an erstwhile Viceroy, became the venue for the festivities after the country got its first President.Republic Day is celebrated with great pomp and splendour particularly in New Delhi, which is the capital of India. A grand parade is held here in the capital starting from the Raisana Hill which is near the Rashtrapati Bhavan and goes up to the famous Red Fort. Before the commencement of the parade, the Prime Minister first pays homage to the unknown and immortal soldiers by laying a flower wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti which is also known as the 'Tomb of the Unknown soldier'. Two minutes of silence is observed in memory of these unknown soldiers. The Prime Minister then proceeds to the main dais at Rajpath, where he is joined by the President of India and the Chief Guest. Here President hoists the National Flag. With the national anthem being played along, a 21 gun salute is given. The Ashok Chakra awards and other important awards are then given to the recipients from the hands of the President. Watch in pics list of Presidents who hoisted flag at Republic day in India till now:1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad: ( Tenure: 26 January 1950 to 12 May 1962 ) He was the first President of the Republic of India. When India became a Republic in 1950, Prasad was elected its first President by the Constituent Assembly.2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: ( Tenure: 13 May 1962 to 13 May 1967 ) He was an Indian philosopher and statesman who was the first Vice President of India (1952–1962) and the second President of India.3. Dr. Zakir Hussain: (Tenure: 13 May 1967 to 3 May 1969)He was the 3rd President of India, from 13 May 1967 until his death on 3 May 1969.4. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed: ( Tenure: 24 August 1974 to 11 February 1977) Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as a Minister before being elected as president. He died in 1977 before his term of office ended, and was the second Indian president to die in office. He was the fifth President of India from 1974 to 1977.5. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy: ( Tenure: 25 July 1977 to 25 July 1982 ) N.S.Reddy was the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh State. Reddy was the only Member of Parliament from the Janata Party to get elected from Andhra Pradesh. He was the sixth President of India.6. Giani Zail Singh: ( Tenure: 25 July 1982 to 25 July 1987 ) He was the seventh President of India, serving from 1982 to 1987. His presidency was marked by Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He died of injuries in 1994 after a car accident.7. Ramaswamy Venkataraman: ( Tenure: 25 July 1987 to 25 July 1992 )He was an Indian lawyer, Indian independence activist and politician who served as a Union minister and as the eighth President of India.8. Shankar Dayal Sharma ( Tenure: 25 July 1992 to 25 July 1997 ) He was the ninth President of India, serving from 1992 to 1997. Prior to his presidency, Sharma had been the eighth Vice President of India, serving under R. Venkataraman.9. Kocheril Raman Narayanan: ( Tenure: 25 July 1997 to 25 July 2002 )10. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: ( Tenure: 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007 )referred to as Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, is an Indian scientist and administrator who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.11. Pratibha Patil: ( Tenure: 25 July 2007 to 25 July 2012 )She was the first woman to become the President of India. She was also the first female Governor of Rajasthan. She served as the 12th President of India from 2007 to 2012.12. Pranab Mukherjee: ( Tenure: 25 July 2012 to till date) He is the 13th and current President of India, in office since July 2012.