Wishing You All A Very Happy Republic Day!!
The flame of patriotism brightens in my heart on such special occasions like Republic Day & Independence Day. I hope you guys also feel a sense of patriotism on such occasions. In fact, Indians all over the world must be remembering their beautiful country today! If you observe closely, today i.e. on 26 January 2010, (for those who are reading it some other day) you will find the air to be one of love, sacrifice and pride for India!
In fact, Vikram A Chandra, senior editor of NDTV recently tweeted that - I don't quite agree with the cynics who say India has achieved nothing in these 60 years. Lots to be proud of, but plenty still to do.If we basically talk about the concept of patriotism, I feel that it is a fleeting phenomena. For many of us, Republic Day is just another ordinary day. It is a fact that 98% of the public doesn't know what 'Republic Day' means and why it is celebrated. Mohan Nellore, a fantastic blogger remarks on his latest post 'Republic Day... So What?' :
Any working class Indian would cry foul if national festivals like ‘Republic day’ falls on a weekend. Because, we need such holidays to skip work on a weekday and pamper ourselves with sleep till noon or go out with loved ones for a movie or even a day trip etc., If we all dig our memories back to schooldays, do we ever care NOW to think and remember all those famous people who made our country for what it is today? Forget all that, do we have time to participate in any local event where our tri-colored flag is hoisted? How about a thought of standing and respecting our national anthem for at least once in a year?For the poor, Republic Day is not a day of pride, but of business. You'll see people selling flags and their varied modifications into key chains and badges. As a matter of fact, flags and badges sell like hot cakes in markets and public places. At the same time, it is a matter of shame that a nation's people are searching for means of business than being proud of its nation and heritage, at least on such special occasions...
At this point, I would also recommend you to read my post on Independence Day last year : An Independence Of It's Own..
People are turning superficial these days. Showing off patriotic badges and bands only on particular days does not prove a person's true patriotism. I feel this is all show-off business like how we do with trendy clothes and latest gadgets. Having badges on your chest have become a matter of superiority and inferiority, thus being oblivious to the very purpose of these national days. As for me, I don't need badges and flags to prove the love and affection I have for India. People are seriously becoming superficial without letting those flags and badges affecting their inner beliefs about their nation...
A Republic is defined as 'a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch'.
After reading this post, do you really think India fits the criteria of being a 61-year-old Republic? What are your views about it?
