India celebrates first Republic Day in 1950 - Video courtesy British Pathé

MS Dr Soekarno, President of Indonesia, alighting from aeroplane at Willingdon aerodrome and being greeted by Pandit Nehru, who introduces him to the Governor General Mr C Rajagopalachari. CU Madame Soekarno being greeted by Rajagopalachari and Indian woman, pan to back view Soekarno with garland round neck. MS elevated Nehru, Soekarno and others. Various interior shots of Durbar Hall showing people taking their places for the proclamation of the Republic ceremony. LS personalities walking to the platform. MS Mr Rajagopalachari introducing Dr Rajendra Prasad (the new President). MS Dr Prasad sitting down on throne.

Various shots of the assembly. MS as Dr Prasad and Rajagopalachari rise to their feet. Elevated MS the Presidential procession starts to leave the hall. MS Prasad and Rajagopalachari leaving hall. Various shots Indian Ministers taking the oath of office. MS Prasad and Nehru taking oath. CU a woman taking oath. MS Mr Rajagopalachari taking oath with Prasad in background. MS Dr Prasad shaking hands with Dr Soekarno. CU Dr Lamping Dutch Ambassador and wife being presented to Dr Prasad. MS Prasad shaking hands with the Holy See Internuncio, Mr Reverend Kierkels and the British High Commissioner, Sir Archibald Nye.

LS crowds gathered along route to Irwin stadium to see the President drive there. MS police controlling crowd. LS crowds. LS Cavalry in procession. LS elevated crowds. LS Dr Prasad arriving in open carriage. MS crowds lining route. LS back view Prasad driving in carriage. LS line of troops with guns firing in background. MS Ministers and diplomats sitting beneath the State insignia of three lions' heads. CU the three defence chiefs left to right Chief of the Navy, Sir William Parry, of the Air Force, Sir Thomas Elmhurst and General Cariapa of the Army.

LS the Presidential carriage comes to a halt in front of the stadium. MS the Indian flag being unfurled. LS flag flying with personalities grouped around it. MS the President on reviewing base saluting. MS naval unit marching past. LS the Gurkha rifles marching past, various shots Prasad on reviewing stand taking salute. LS Air Force Liberators flying in formation overhead, flag flying in foreground.