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| Republic day |
This is our 69th Republic Day. Today 26th January 2018 is Celebrated has a Republic Day. Republic Day holds a special meaning to Indians.
For many, it's the day their country became a sovereign nation. For some, it means being glued in front of the TV and watching the parade in action on Doordarshan. Then there are those, who look at it as just another holiday to sleep in till late and cure that hangover.
This Republic Day, we present you the inside story of two people who've had the esteemed opportunity to participate in the Republic Day parade. The twist? The experiences are 30 years apart.
Why Republic Day is Celebrated?
With his famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, which Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru delivered to the Indian Constituent Assembly on the eve of India's Independence, the first Prime Minister of the independent country welcomed the freedom that every Indian had earned after a long struggle of independence.
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| Tryst and destiny |
Sadly, with freedom did not come democracy. India was still a constitutional monarchy under King George VI. We still did not have the rights to elect our leaders to run the country since we still did not have a Constitution.
However, almost two and a half years later after gaining independence, the Constitution of India came into effect on 26th January, 1950, making India one of the most populous democracies of the world; on this day India ceased to be a constitutional monarchy and became the Republic of India. To honour this historic day, we celebrate 26th January as Republic Day every year.
Republic Day Then...
The year was 1971, girl's being selected and sent for Republic Day parade was uncommon in fact unheard of. Enter Mrs Radha Jamwal Talwar, Senior Under Officer for the National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingent from Jammu and Kashmir, all set for marching the roads leading to India Gate
NCC cadets were carefully selected to be sent for training camps in Jammu, perfecting the impeccable march and preparing cultural programmes for the beating retreat ceremony. "It was indeed a matter of honour to not only represent the state but also be one of the four girls in a platoon of 20 to head to New Delhi." she proudly shares.
Radha Jamwal Talwar:Top Row,3rd from left
NCC cadets were carefully selected to be sent for training camps in Jammu, perfecting the impeccable march and preparing cultural programmes for the beating retreat ceremony. "It was indeed a matter of honour to not only represent the state but also be one of the four girls in a platoon of 20 to head to New Delhi." she proudly shares.
Radha Jamwal Talwar:Top Row,3rd from left
The days leading to the parade were spent in training at the NCC camps near the Rashtrapati Bhavan. She mentions how charged up the atmosphere was around the camp. Music to the tune of Vande Mataram, folk dances and getting to know people from all over the country was an experience she would never forget.
On the day of the parade, 26th January, 1971, she led the NCC platoon from Jammu and Kashmir. Unnerving as it was then, her voice over the phone is filled with pride recounting how the crowds cheered the ladies on at Rajpath. After crossing the India Gate, all girls were taken in a one ton army vehicle and dropped near the Red Fort (boys had to march the whole route!). In the evening, dressed smartly in sari’s and NCC blazers they had high tea with the then President V.V. Giri. Group pictures were shot and her happiness knew no bounds when she also won the Best Cadet Award!
Ask her if she would like to do this again and before I can even complete the sentence, the answer is an ecstatic YES.
All I have to say is, I'm so proud of you Mom. Happy Republic Day to all!
Republic Day Now...
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| Celebration |
Talking to Major Shashi Kant Kaushik is having a conversation with an ardent reader, a concerned fellow citizen and a passionate army man. He was part of the 8 Sikh Light Infantry’s marching contingent on Rajpath in 2001. Here's what he has to say.
So, what are your plannings and idea for Republic Day? and what do you think about celebrating Republic Day let me know in the Comments section below. At last I want to say......
"Vande Mataram"
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