What exactly does the republic day stand for? We have learnt that on 26th Jan 1950, India became a soverign state, a republic. By adopting the Indian Constitution. We, it seems have forgotten the significance of this, and remember 26th Jan more for the parade, the holiday and the small paper flags that spring out of nowhere.
While the parade is a magnificient display of our military might, it also serves to showcase the discipline and vigour the armed forces instill in one. It would do well for ourselves as well as our lawmakers to learn something from this. I wonder what goes through their minds on republic day? Does their spine tingle when the army marches past, or when the national anthem is being played? For the politicians it is something exactly opposite to a hopliday. It is a day to make patriotic speeches. They must be a patriotic lot, these politicians. Else what are they doing in politics in the first place. No? From fist-fighting in the parliament to making amendments to the constitution, they are quite flexible.
Anyways, back to my original point. What is the republic day? Why do we celebrate it? Do we mark the occassion of adoption of the constituition? Do we revel in the mlitary might of a soverign India? Do we acknowledge the maturity we have attained as a state? Yes. That and more. This day is being marked as a celebration of the idea that is India. And the celebration is for us being a part of it.
Hmm..yep..good to have a R-day musing from you. I often had similar thoughts regarding the same.
Posted by: QuaTros at January 31, 2005 03:50 AMsounds like you know me. do you?
Posted by: anya at January 31, 2005 09:54 AM