Maa Tujhe Salaam!

-- Joel Reju Daniel, Class:IX, Indian Learners Own Academy

Sunday, January 16, 2022

When one thinks of the Republic Day, the pictures that flood their minds are usually those of marching soldiers, tableaux, and the display of India's weaponry; but there are profuse other things also to be seen and understood from a Republic Day.

The Republic day of India has immense significance and is one of the most important days in the history of the country, as this is the day on which India’s Constitution came into effect. Republic means " a state where people enjoy supreme power, freedom and choose their own representatives." The country had no means to provide its people such power and freedom within some limits. It was only because of the unconditional and selfless services and dedications of many great personalities, that we enjoy these rights today. On the same date i.e. on 26th Jan 1950, Dr Rajendra Prasad became First President of Republic India.

On this day, people from all across the country, celebrate and pray for the wonderful souls that fought for our freedom, almost 70 years back! They provide their condolences to the brave soldiers who fought and died in wars. It is also a day on which, groups from various states exhibit their programs, which represents their culture and traditions.

One of the most attracting and significant part of the Republic Day Ceremony, is the award presentation ceremony. The Hon. President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind, presents these awards to the people who had proven their skills and talent is different fields, such as art, music, dance, politics, cinema, literature, language, defense, agriculture, sports, etc. Some of the popular and main awards given each year are, The Padma Bhushan, The Padma Vibhushan, The Padma Shri, The Param Vir Chakra, The Kirti Chakra, The Vir Chakra, etc.
If there is anything more exciting and patriotic than the awards function, it is the flypast. The flypast marks the grand finale of the march parade of the soldiers. Jet planes formations, namely, Rudra, Eklavya and the Trinetra, release different colours into the air, eventually forming the tricolor Indian Flag. This is a very auspicious and special moment for all citizens of the country.

Many times, people tend to think that the Republic Day is an event that takes place specifically in the country’s capital, New Delhi. But this isn’t true. Republic Day Celebrations take place in other parts of the country with same passion. In schools, especially, there is great atmosphere. There are many cultural and sports activities, which create a sense of patriotism in the growing gems of the country, the students!

For the past 2 years or so, we have adjusted our lives and life habits, because of Covid-19. Last year, 2021, the Chief Guest for the Republic day, was supposed to be the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson. Unfortunately, he had to call off the visit to focus on the domestic crisis unleashed by the emergence of a new variant of coronavirus in the U. K. at the end of the year, 2020. In his video message to celebrate the birth of an ‘extraordinary Constitution’ that established India ‘as the biggest sovereign democracy in the world’, the U. K. Prime Minister reiterated his plan to visit India in the coming months. This year, India is looking forward to inviting top leaders of the central Asian countries to grace the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. India is hoping to invite the leaders of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan as the chief guests for this year’s Republic Day.

The Republic Day is a day on which we, as Indians, should be thankful of the freedom and rights we now enjoy. We shouldn’t take any of these for granted, and instead should try and make the poor and needy aware of their rights. Let us all understand that the true meaning of patriotism is to love and care for our fellow citizens and to live in unity. We should also be proud of the fact that, our nation is the only religiously secular nation in the world! Let this year be a year of hope, growth and strength among all of us. Wishing everyone a very happy Republic Day!