Shortly after independence was declared, a constituent assembly elected by provincial assemblies drafted a constitution that would govern the newly independent nation. The founders took the best from the different countries of the world, compiled it and declared it onJanuary 26, 1950. The country was officially known as the Republic of India,  a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic that secures for all its citizens justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

In New Delhi, and everywhere else in India,  the event is celebrated with aplomb.  The Parade is a very grand affair. The motorcade, the VIP and VVIPs arriving with flourish, the Chief Guest is invariably someone eminent, from anywhere in  the world. One notes geopolitics at play as the international politician invitedis often for rapproachmenttowards economic or political collaboration.

The award ceremony commemorating the brave and courageous, the presentation of the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra to gallantry award winners is a solemn moment.On display is the might of our Armed Forces, the special persons duly commended.The prime minister lays a wreath at the Amar JawanJyoti  an arched war memorial and takes a moment of silence to commemorate fallen soldiers.Silence, the absence of which gifted us this nation and the presence is gnawing at our value systems and eroding our pride and heritage.

The soldiers marching in precision, the display of our weapons, the various regiments in their regalia is truly awe inspiring. The pulsating rhythm is an adrenaline rush with a renewed pledge for our country in our hearts and a wish that somehow one could be a part of the greatness of India. We sleep secure that the power is protecting us and become complacent.

Republic Day is a holiday for most and the true import is more often than not lost in meaningless political theory classes and students cannot distinguish between the two milestones, Independence and Republic Day or understand the significance.We donot impress upon young minds the tragedy of the war that was fought over centuries and share the legends of many young martyrs like Benoy, Badal, Dinesh, Bhagat Singh, Udham Singhwho willingly died for this cause andare now maybe just names memorised for a Quiz.

The governing principle of the Indian Constitution is “of the people, for the people and by the people”, which signifies that the power is vested in us, the citizens of India. Republic Day marks the celebration of the empowerment of Indian citizens to select their own government, choose our future. Let us take on the onus as responsible citizens and do the right, as our conscience tells us, not falling prey to meaningless rhetoric.

Saare jahaan se achchaHindustanhamaara. I am a proud Indian and wish everyone values and respects the august tenets of our constitution and adopts it in every sphere of our life with honesty, integrity and brotherhood.