The day before is when the President of India
address the nation. Not many in India actually listens to what the President
says or what the Prime Minister say to the nation on this day. The beautifully tailored speech on / about
the might and achievements of the Indian Army or Indian security forces,
scientific galore; the day is filled with bravery and gallantry award. Yes we
have a line of State wise display.
Way
back in the early 80s as a school student we used to excitedly participate in
the Republic Day parade. The only day
when we were in the best uniform, neat and clean, polished shoes and ironed
frock! It was more a competition for the best school!! Another best part is the pocket money, about 50
paise, back then 1 rupee is huge sum for a school child.
All
roads lead to “public ground” (a public place for public events) young and old
came for the (Re) public function. Everyone
watch the cultural dances and display in awe, as if they never saw it before!!
Perhaps there was no Television then! The local vendors would line up on the
road side leading to the public ground even before the parade begins. There
was no security issues during those days !!
For
some time I was not aware of the Republic day function or the Independence Day;
maybe since we had passed out of school. But I realized from late 80s onwards the
two important days became quieter and quieter. Beginning early 90s there was no
more “public function”. Republic day and Independence Day were observed at
District Administration’s Office compound or Police Headquarter.
A
week before the Day, announcement for boycott will be made by ‘outfits’ in Manipur
and other northeastern states. The ritual, that now appears more like a
customary practice continues.
Most
people were indoor on this day !
In fact every Indian citizen look forward to watching the Republic day parade in the National capital. Though many in northeastern states no longer seem to celebrate or even remember how it was celebrated! Religiously the day is being watch on Doordarshan, in every corner of the country, of course for the Northeastern states if there is power supply on this day. Thanks to the Television.
In fact every Indian citizen look forward to watching the Republic day parade in the National capital. Though many in northeastern states no longer seem to celebrate or even remember how it was celebrated! Religiously the day is being watch on Doordarshan, in every corner of the country, of course for the Northeastern states if there is power supply on this day. Thanks to the Television.
Or
was the thin attendance of the Republic day due to the Live telecast on Television?
As in Manipur or elsewhere in Northeast, there are very few people to be seen
on Republic day or Independence day. And so is the National Capital; the
beautiful pictures and Tv camera showing Rajpath - India gate clearly tells the
very very thin attendance, about a few hundreds or so, while Delhi has over 1 crore population.
Once
upon a time; Grandpa was invited by Indira Gandhi (the then Prime Minister) as
a Guest on the Republic day in Delhi sometime between 1966-67( no record of
exact year ) He and few other Chiefs from Manipur were an honored guest, treated
with full hospitality, the Village Chiefs also spent some days in the capital side
seeing and Photo- Op with who’s who in the Union Government.
A
symbolic gesture of respect and a mark of “joining the Indian union” village
chiefs were presented with a Red Shawl every Republic day. The practice, which
no longer seems to be followed now in the rituals of Republic day observation (no
longer a celebration) along with all the cultural and traditional
celebrations that marked and symbolizes the day.
Those Republic or Independence day celebrations are like a bed time story today.
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