Republic Day is a Celebration of India's Independence and the Right of its People to be Free Indian Citizens

chillibreeze writer — Annelise Piers

The birth of a new India:

It was the first of January 1930. The nationalists at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress were gathered together, eager to change the course of our nation's history. At the stroke of midnight they unfurled a Tri-Color Flag and pledged that every year on the 26th of January, 'Independence Day' would be celebrated and that they would strive to establish a Sovereign Democratic Republic of India. But, it was seventeen years later on August 15, 1947 that independence from British rule was finally achieved.

I was that Tri-Color Flag bearing the brilliant saffron and green colors, that today stands for a nation of immense wealth in culture, traditions and democracy. I had waited seventeen years for this very moment of triumph. However, it was only three years later on January 26, 1950, that the pledge was realized when the Constituent Assembly of India framed the Constitution of India and brought it into force.



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And the rest, as they say, is history. 15th August was marked as our ‘Independence Day', while January 26, as Republic Day— the day India became a Republic.

The Republic Day Parade:

Year after year I watch the Republic Day parade go by and think back on the people that made this possible. Their tireless efforts, long nights of captivity, lives laid down—memories of our country’s struggle, otherwise lost in the pages of history textbooks!

The Salute of the Armed Forces:

The breeze against my face brings me back to the present. The stands are overflowing with happy faces waving my replicas to the parade as it passes by, the sounds of drums and bugles filling the air. The President of India is taking the salute of the contingents of the Armed Forces, followed by armored vehicles, elephants and camels in all their finery, and amazingly entertaining floats. I particularly like the one that has kids dressed up as our freedom fighters and those that helped shape our country's future. The likeness to Mahatma Gandhi is astounding and I am guessing that the little boy had his hair shaved just for the parade.

Folk Dances and Color:

A splash of brilliant color catches my eye as the tribal dance troupes from the different states mesmerize the crowd with their characteristic folk dances. Each dance is unique and yet displays that marvelous bond of unity and loyalty to one motherland.

A Sky Alive With Thrill:

I duck, as the sky is suddenly alive with Air Force jets splashing colored smoke onto the pale blue canvas. Saffron, white and green — a tribute to me I like to think! Some complicated maneuvers later, the celebrations draw to a close. Though a distance up in the sky, I can clearly see the disappointed faces as people slowly rise and head home, some looking up fondly at me as if they can read my mind.

The Beating of the Retreat:

However, it is not over for me yet. On the 29th of January I will be able to witness the "Beating of the Retreat" at Vijay Chowk, performed by the bands of the Armed Forces.

True blues:

I catch my reflection in a window across the way and can't help noticing how the blue chakra in my middle appears distorted from time to time as the wind brushes against me. How true it is of our present generation of Indians; we tend to forget whom we really are and change shape with influences from abroad. If only we would always remember what it means to be truly Indian and the price it cost to earn the right.

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—About our writer:

Annelise Piers is a mother of a vibrant eight year old who has taught her to view the world through his eyes and share the adventure of discovery with him. She is a communications specialist whose passion is writing for children and who believes that writing is child's play!