Something is in the air on 26th january which makes you feel patriotic as you wake up in the morning. Patriotic songs playing on loudspeaker, smartly dressed kids going to school in the morning for the flag hoisting, sight of small Tri color flags everywhere, and these days patriotic messages and graphics on the walls and tweets of our social media accounts.
After many years I got a chance to watch the republic day parade. Not in real though. I can imagine how the atmosphere would be on the Rajpath at that time. Would surely want to be a part of the audience if I am lucky enough someday.
Nevertheless, watching on TV is also not a very bad idea especially if you have a 40 inch screen at home (thanks Alok ;) ). Republic day parade is always a treat to watch. The marching soldiers in smart uniforms, in complete synchronization, carrying the responsibility of guarding our country for us billions. Sacrificing lives in the line of duty. What a life and what discipline. I often wonder if we can have a little of that discipline and commitment in the civilian lives, many of our problems might get solved. We wont see our roads littered, traffic signals jumped, people mercilessly crossing past injured in highways without helping them. Often all it takes for a change is just a small effort at home. Remember, be the change you want to see in the world.
There were two notable things this republic day of which a mention must be made. First, this was the first time an all women contingent led by Captain Divya Ajith made its way to the republic day parade. And going by the news it might be possible that women soldiers make it to the combat role in few years. Good to hear such positive news about women empowermemt when in recent times you see all negativity in the news be it harassment, infanticide , workplace discrimination etc. But despite all this I have firm faith that they will overcome all the difficulties and hardships thrown at them. May the power be with you. May your tribe increase!
Another remarkable feature was that this was the first time an American president was the chief guest of the republic day parade and celebration. Whether this is really a watershed movement in Indo -American ties or its just a media hype ( as we are west obsessed country, I remember when Mr Clinton came to India there was so much celebration back then as well) needs to be seen. But regardless of this, the presence of the worlds most powerful person as the chief guest is definitely a big news.
Today was the day in 1950, when our constitution came into force. A very modern document which promised us various fundamental rights - rights, few of which were not even available to some people in advanced countries of western Europe at that time. And few of them are not available to a lot of people in various parts of the world even this day. Boy, we must be lucky to be born in this country!
But are we? Or is everyone as lucky and has same rights as everyone else? I mean the rich and powerful have rights everywhere and they dont require something like a constitution to get their rights. They just buy it. But are the millions of the common people who struggle every day for survival, to fight off a chilly night, whose children have to sell a flag on the sign and crossings so that we and our children can happily celebrate a republic day are lucky enough? Why would they be happy over the celebration of republic day and be proud of the constitution when they couldnt gain much in these many years.
But there is something which inspires me and gives hope. In the recent years there is another, more subtle, silent yet strong change - the idea of an aspiring India, a confident India, an India which wants to grow and be recognized the world over and looked at with respect. People are demanding certain things as a matter of right. People dont seem to be as unconcerned and cynical towards politics as they earlier were. An increase in voting percentage might be an indicator. Perhaps it is too early to declare this as a change, but you should always have hope, right?
After many years I got a chance to watch the republic day parade. Not in real though. I can imagine how the atmosphere would be on the Rajpath at that time. Would surely want to be a part of the audience if I am lucky enough someday.
Nevertheless, watching on TV is also not a very bad idea especially if you have a 40 inch screen at home (thanks Alok ;) ). Republic day parade is always a treat to watch. The marching soldiers in smart uniforms, in complete synchronization, carrying the responsibility of guarding our country for us billions. Sacrificing lives in the line of duty. What a life and what discipline. I often wonder if we can have a little of that discipline and commitment in the civilian lives, many of our problems might get solved. We wont see our roads littered, traffic signals jumped, people mercilessly crossing past injured in highways without helping them. Often all it takes for a change is just a small effort at home. Remember, be the change you want to see in the world.
There were two notable things this republic day of which a mention must be made. First, this was the first time an all women contingent led by Captain Divya Ajith made its way to the republic day parade. And going by the news it might be possible that women soldiers make it to the combat role in few years. Good to hear such positive news about women empowermemt when in recent times you see all negativity in the news be it harassment, infanticide , workplace discrimination etc. But despite all this I have firm faith that they will overcome all the difficulties and hardships thrown at them. May the power be with you. May your tribe increase!
Another remarkable feature was that this was the first time an American president was the chief guest of the republic day parade and celebration. Whether this is really a watershed movement in Indo -American ties or its just a media hype ( as we are west obsessed country, I remember when Mr Clinton came to India there was so much celebration back then as well) needs to be seen. But regardless of this, the presence of the worlds most powerful person as the chief guest is definitely a big news.
Today was the day in 1950, when our constitution came into force. A very modern document which promised us various fundamental rights - rights, few of which were not even available to some people in advanced countries of western Europe at that time. And few of them are not available to a lot of people in various parts of the world even this day. Boy, we must be lucky to be born in this country!
But are we? Or is everyone as lucky and has same rights as everyone else? I mean the rich and powerful have rights everywhere and they dont require something like a constitution to get their rights. They just buy it. But are the millions of the common people who struggle every day for survival, to fight off a chilly night, whose children have to sell a flag on the sign and crossings so that we and our children can happily celebrate a republic day are lucky enough? Why would they be happy over the celebration of republic day and be proud of the constitution when they couldnt gain much in these many years.
But there is something which inspires me and gives hope. In the recent years there is another, more subtle, silent yet strong change - the idea of an aspiring India, a confident India, an India which wants to grow and be recognized the world over and looked at with respect. People are demanding certain things as a matter of right. People dont seem to be as unconcerned and cynical towards politics as they earlier were. An increase in voting percentage might be an indicator. Perhaps it is too early to declare this as a change, but you should always have hope, right?
Well said.....
ReplyDeleteThanks Bhabhi!
ReplyDelete