Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

Salute those who served the nation

City streets are suddenly filled with school children distributing paper flags. All on a sudden, a feeling of patriotism pervades one's senses.

Schools and colleges hoist flags that proudly flutter atop the buildings for not less than a week. Parades paint the city in a profusion of colours and celebration spreads all around.

On this day, fifty-seven years ago, India was declared a Republic.

Decades ago, when the country was still guided by a strong patriotic fervour, days of national importance were celebrated with a lot more enthusiasm, says K.Kulandaivel, Chancellor of Avinashilingam University. The youth were more passionate about the progress of their country then, and a spirit of nationalism was always in their hearts, he said.

However, with the rapid progress the country has made in terms of science and technology, business, education and human development, the youth seem to have lost touch with the nation's past. Many are not even aware of the struggle that has gone into the making of this country, Mr. Kulandaivel said.

Cultural importance

Seetha Poovaiah, Principal of G.Ramasamy Naidu Matriculation Higher Secondary School remembers her own school days when the students used to be taken out on processions on Republic Day and spoken to about the history and cultural importance of the country.

"This is almost absent now and schools confine their celebrations to flag hoisting and cultural programmes," she said. They should be told about the relevance of celebrating Republic Day, Ms.Poovaiah said. The very nature of the celebrations has changed now. "Children are always eager to learn. Schools should take the responsibility to make them aware of the history of the country."

A lot of importance is given to subjects such as physics and chemistry and history is not given its due. This is not a very heartening trend, she observed.

For most of the educational institutions, days of national importance have been reduced to a mere ceremony. "Children do not understand the significance of the day, are not aware of the responsibilities of the citizens and do not know the functions of a Republic," Mr.Kulandaivel said. "Schools should take special care in making them understand the duties of a responsible citizen, give them enough information on the history of the country, the specific direction a Republic should take and instil in them a sense of gratitude for out great leaders," Mr.Kulandaivel said.

However, it is not merely about celebrating such days. The spirit of nationalism should be sustained and nurtured in the minds of children and they should be taught to be proud of being Indians, he said.

Anasuya Menon

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