Pride, emotions define Republic Day for Senior Citizens

Republic Day has special significance for millions of Senior Citizens across the country. Many of them were born just before the country attained Independence and the Constitution was adopted and they have witnessed India grow as a strong and vibrant nation. They cherish the values enshrined in India’s Constitution, and celebrate this day with great pride.

In this article, Senior Citizens from different parts of India recall what Republic Day means to them and how they would like it to be celebrated.

Ms Pushpa Pravin Chandra Jagda, 76, Housewife

What does Republic Day mean to you: Republic Day is a special day for every Indian. It fills me with pride as I recall times when things weren’t going well for our country. Back then, everyone came together and promised to make our nation better. It’s a reminder of our unity and determination to build a brighter future.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: In the early 2000s, my husband and I visited Delhi for Republic Day, making it one of our best memories together. Although I can’t remember the exact year, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere during this celebration was truly special for us.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: Seeing the Tricolour as it is unfurled is truly special. It always gives me goosebumps, and makes me feel patriotic and motivated. It defines our freedom and unity.

(As told to Sameer Prashant Kumar, a Semester VI BAJMC student of School of Mass Media and Journalism, D Y Patil University, Pune)

Mr Vijendra Hungund, 79, Retired State Government Servant

What does Republic Day mean to you: As a kid, Republic Day was all about a day off from school and having fun with friends. Of course, my grandfather made me realise the importance of the day. I too instil the same lessons of patriotism in my grandchildren before letting them go off and play.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: The oldest memory of Republic Day dates back to 1955. I was around 10 years old, and my father, who was a social worker, was being honoured in a neighbourhood event. I wasn’t aware of what was happening. But there was celebration in the air. We had painted our windows in the colours of the National Flag. Later, I learnt the significance of the occasion.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: On this day we should honour all those Indians who play a significant role in nation building.

(As told to Ananya Katti, a Semester VI BAJMC student of School of Mass Media and Journalism, D Y Patil University, Pune)

Mr Shivkumar Tiwari, 83, Retired teacher who lives in Kotwari near Varanasi.

What does Republic Day mean to you: We gained Independence on August 15, 1947 and became a Republic on January 26, 1950. On that day we shook off all vestiges of the British empire. Our Constitution, which guarantees our rights and freedom, came into effect on that day. It is a day to be proud of, a day to remember where our rights come from.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: All Republic Days are memorable to me. As a teacher, we celebrated all important days and festivals with our students.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: I am not very happy. The Republic Day has become a festival of speeches. It should be freed from words, and made a part of people’s lives. Families should come together and celebrate the day with special dishes like we do on other festivals.

(As told to Siddharth Pandey, a freelance writer based in Noida.)

Mr Ramesh Ramchandra Sonar, 67, Retired Spl Cook, Indian Army

What does Republic Day mean to you: I wait for Republic Day every year. It is a day the Constitution was adopted. The day is more like a festival for me, and I feel great pride when I see the Tricolour flying high on this special day.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: In 1982, I joined the Indian Army. My first posting was in Amritsar and I felt great pride in putting on the Army uniform. My happiness swelled when I was asked to prepare the National Flag for hoisting on Republic Day. It was a truly special moment, and I was swept away by emotion when I held the flag in my hand. Even today I cannot forget that moment.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: Every Republic Day is important. I would like today’s generation too to celebrate the Republic Day in the same way I and my generation did. We realized its significance. Countless Indians had sacrificed their lives for India to become independent. For us, Republic Day was a festival. I would wake up early and get ready to take part in celebrations. I would like this day and Independence Day to be celebrated with the same spirit and enthusiasm for thousands of years.

(As told to Yash Soni, a Semester VI BAJMC student of School of Mass Media and Journalism, D Y Patil University, Pune)

Mr Mayur Dhwaj Jadeja, 86, retired as a senior executive of a private firm, now lives in Lucknow

What does Republic Day mean to you: We lived in Gujarat when India became independent. Gujarat was full of princely states then and the direct influence of British administration was not very visible on the population. The people considered the local rajas as their rulers. We learnt on the radio that India has adopted its Constitution but I am not sure if everyone understood the significance of the moment.

There was celebration in my college. Flag hoisting was done and patriotic songs were sung and we realized that a new law had come in place. However, we were too young to understand what it meant. We ate the sweets, enjoyed the festivities and went home.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: This was the year when I got an opportunity to witness the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. At that time, I was working as a sales executive in Mahindra & Mahindra and was well aware of the Constitution of India.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: The best way to celebrate the Republic Day is to make the children aware of the meaning and impact of the Constitution. Today, the children take part in the school parade, get sweets and celebrate but none of them has seen a copy of Constitution. A copy of the original Constitution, which I am told has the pictures of Lord Ram, Ganesh and Hanuman on its pages, must be displayed in every school and made available to children. They should also be told about the formation and history of the Constituent Assembly and its proceedings.

(As told to Satyendra Pratap, a writer based in Lucknow.)

Mr Vinayak Y Mahalungkar, 77, Retired Income Tax Officer

What does Republic Day mean to you: To me, Republic Day means a time of reflection, pride, and a reaffirmation of commitment to the principles and values of my service period to and for the nation. It’s an occasion to celebrate the constitutional framework that guides the functioning of various institutions, including the tax system.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: The Republic Day celebration that I remember most vividly is the one where I had the honour of being the host at my son’s college. It was a unique and proud moment for me.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: I suggest organising vibrant cultural programs, community get-togethers, and events that reflect the diverse mosaic of our country. These events should exemplify the spirit of our constitutional values by fostering a sense of pride and harmony within the community.

(As told to Sanskruti Sanjay Mahalungkar, a Semester VI BAJMC student of School of Mass Media and Journalism, D Y Patil University, Pune)

Mr Amar Pratap Singh, 86, belongs to the princely state of Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh

What does Republic Day mean to you: After independence, the princely states were happy about Independence but were not very happy with the Congress regime due to the abolition of zamindari in 1952. The Republic Day was a low-key affair in those times. The Tricolour was hoisted in schools, which were very few in 1952. There was flag hoisting at district headquarters in which some prominent citizens were invited but, mostly the masses did not know what the celebration was about. The general belief was that it was just another celebration of azadi.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: I remember the Republic Day of 1964 or 65 which I attended in New Delhi. The parade impressed me. For the first time I had seen the tanks and the army , navy and airforce in their gear. It gave me a sense of pride to see that.

(As told to Satyendra Pratap, a writer based in Lucknow.)

Mr Kartar Hemrajani, 76, an electronic engineer from Sindh, who made Delhi and Mumbai his home after partition.

What does Republic Day mean to you: There is a difference in being independent and being free. A true Republic Day or Independence Day would be when we are completely free of our baggage, in spirit and in thought. It is slowly happening, but such things take time.

Which is the Republic Day you remember most and why: When I was around 10 years old, I got lost in the Republic Day crowd. I think the year was 1958. It was definitely memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.

What is the best way to celebrate Republic Day: We should commemorate the day by remembering the fact that we do not have to do the bidding of the British any more.

(As told to Siddharth Pandey, a freelance writer based in Noida.)

Read also: A comprehensive list of welfare schemes for senior citizens