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Just another holiday
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It is 58 years since India became a Republic. But not many know the significance of January 26
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Paint it up United colours of nationalism
Fifty eight years ago, on this very day, after decades of struggle against the British, India finally became a Republic, a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. It was on this day that our Constitution came into effect. Today, 58 years
later, ironically, this special day in the life of the country has been reduced, for most of us, to just another holiday to look forward to.
Has Republic Day lost its significance? Why is it that we undermine the conquest of our freedom fighters? Says Computer Application student, Jerome Pereira: “Most of us give more importance to Independence Day and we somehow don’t feel the patriotic spirit stir up within us on other days of national importance.”
“If we look closely, we notice that this is a typical phenomenon. Celebrations on Independence Day are more elaborate and pompous than on Republic Day. One cannot exactly pinpoint the exact reason for this,” asserts Sushil Chandranath, a sociologist.
There are still others like Ranvir Tilak, an entrepreneur who feels there is “no need” to celebrate something we haven’t achieved yet. “What is the point of celebrating this day when the key concepts of Republicanism have not taken proper root in some parts of the country?” he asks. “Do the communal riots give us a chance to believe that ours is a secular nation? Does the concrete wall of discrimination allow us to believe that we live in a socialist society? Definitely not!”
No reason to celebrate
On the other hand, there are a few who believe that Republic Day must be commemorated with grandeur. “Whether it is watching the Republic Day parade on television or even watching a patriotic movie, I feel a sense of pride for my country,” admits Tarana Mohsin, a political science lecturer.
For the student community, “Republic Day is just another day of relaxation,” states 17 year old Beena Sundar. For Ritwik, “This Republic Day is a blessing in disguise as it gives us an extra day to study before our exams that start right after the weekend.”
The enthusiasm is pretty high in some of the star hotels around the city. Restaurateur Anil K.J. informs: “The hotel industry is reasonably busy on Republic Day. Businessmen sometimes strike new deals on such days, while other foodies probably use this as an excuse to indulge in our special menu.”
Does this imply that these extravagant parties are just another means of making more money for pubs and hotels? “No,” says Anil emphatically. “We just recognise the importance of the day and make it special for our clients and guests. This is our duty, after all!” he adds.
“Being brought up in a defence family and neighbourhood, it is only natural that we celebrate Republic Day in our block, that too without being forced into it,” explains Daya Shanbagh, an air hostess trainee.
It is indubitably sad that not too many people even feel the slightest sense of nationalism on a day like this. It is even sadder that a rather large majority of people have either forgotten the importance of this day, and worse still, some aren’t even aware of what happened on January 26, 1950!
NEETI SARKAR
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Bangalore
Chennai
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Kochi
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Visakhapatnam
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