Happy Republic Day???

In 1929, following the recommendations of the Simon Commission, rising political discontent and increasingly violent regional movements, the call for Complete Independence began to gain momentum with the then Congress leadership. Subsequently in its Lahore session in December 1929, the Indian National Congress passed a resolution calling for Complete Independence from the British. 26th January 1930 would then be observed as the Purna Swaraj(Complete Independence) Day all over the country.

20 years later on 26th January 1950, The Constitution of India came into effect. India was declared a Republic and Dr.Rajendra Prasad was elected the first President of Independent India. Although the Constitution was materialized well ahead in November 1949, 26th January was chosen deliberately as a mark of respect to the freedom fighters who wanted 26th January as India’s initial Independence Day.

My phone buzzed at half past 10 on the morning of 26th January and the message read –
Arey bharat ke besharam naujavanon
Utho aur sabko Happy Republic Day wish karo!!

Happy Republic Day you say?? I ask you, what is so “Happy” about the Republic Day. 26th January is not just another holiday, it has significance, a history and a great amount of importance associated with it. It was the day India was declared a Republic and elected its first President. It was chosen as a mark of respect for those who died fighting for India’s Independence. It was the day the Constitution of India, the single entity that lays down our rights and our duties was adopted and enforced.

What’s left of this legacy today is a mere (saddening) reflection of the Indian people who have become increasingly indifferent and selfish. The significance of this historic day is lost, history behind this day has been confined to the pages of an 8th standard text book, forgotten after being reproduced in an examination, the importance of it all diluted by the festival like spirit that has taken over. Today the Republic Day has just become yet another holiday for us to mark in our calendars, to go out with friends, send a meaningless SMS, and enjoy the few hours of rest we get from our “busy schedules”, “important work assignments” and “high profile meetings”. Its significance reduced to a few festivities, the likes of which we see every Diwali, Dussera, or Christmas.

Those of you who argue that, Republic Day is day for every Indian to be proud of and therefore calls for festivities and celebrations read on.

Almost half the population of India is still below the poverty line, the benefits of education and scientific learning are yet to reach rural India, our country is filled with selfish, insensitive people who care a damn about anybody else except for themselves, roads are horrible, there is no transparency in the functioning of the Government and its subsidiary organizations, communal violence and hate politics thrive unchecked and our country is plagued by terrorist attacks. I ask you what are we celebrating here. As days pass, the feeling that we are heading back to the Stone Age keeps growing inside of me. There is nothing for us to celebrate. If anything this calls for a change.

This Republic Day, let us not engage in exchanging meaningless pleasantries, let us revive the legacy that has been lost over the last few decades. Let us become sensible, compassionate and responsible citizens, let us incorporate the principles and ideals of our freedom struggle and be an effective population. Let us not confine the pride and happiness associated with the Republic Day to just the 26th of January, let us give ourselves a reason to be a proud Indian every single day of the year.

Jai Hind!!