True Meaning of Celebration of Republic Day

 

26^th January is a national holiday in India but is it just a national holiday? No, 26^th January also happens to be our Republic Day. For many of us, Republic Day won’t be of as great a significance as the Independence Day but we forget that without being Republic, we could have never become free in the true sense. Even though India attained independence on 15^th August 1947 but we were able to proudly stand upon our feet and face the world when our constitution came into effect on 26^th January 1950. A child is taught the art of discipline in very early stages of his schooling because discipline and rules are a significant part of our lives. Republic Day is celebrated in honour of our constitution. It was the day when we accepted our constitution and pledged to follow its every aspect. We should understand that a freedom without rules is an imprisonment under mismanagement. Republic day is for us to realise these rules and respect them as many of them help define us. On the Republic day we finally became a nation who was controlled by the leaders who are subordinate to the public.

On Republic Day, the parade displaying the unique ethnicity and diversity of India also takes place. Witnessing this parade, one is filled with pride for their nation. The hoisting of the flag and the National Anthem on 26^th January fills us with a patriotic spirit. Alas! This spirit doesn’t last long; it is hardly there for one day and it extinguishes even before all the decorations of Republic Day Celebration are pulled down from the stage. Is the true meaning of Republic Day just to remind us to feel proud of our nation for a day? No, Republic Day is celebrated so that our patriotism is fuelled throughout the year. It is celebrated to honour the great freedom fighters and the selfless revolutionaries who gave their lives for a free and republic India. We are now a republic but we should remember to conserve this spirit. Remembering these great leaders, we should accept that they have done their part and now it’s our turn to achieve new feats for our nation. Republic Day also brings forth the might of our Army. The valiant parade by the armed forces can leave anyone mesmerized. The Indian Airforce displays a great show in the sky above. And the Indian Navy too stands strong in there. Republic day is the time when all our supreme forces get a chance to come together and display the true strength of the nation.  Republic day also brings a chance to strengthen our foreign affairs as a guest president from abroad too is humbly invited to witness the festivities. On this day, the Prime Minister of India honours the martyrs by putting a ringlet at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. A 21-gun salute follows this. In this way, this occasion gives a chance to current leader to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives and now he/she is able to rule peacefully due to them.  Republic Day means to bestow the national citizen awards on the deserving candidates. It is the time when the brave kids and people are honoured due to their brave acts towards the nation. This ceremony inspires us to be as selfless as these people. It motivates us to put our life at risk is others need help. Republic day means looking upon all the variety of tableaus by different states of India. It brings a sense of unity amongst us. This occasion helps us realise that we may be different in many ways yet we are all united as Indians. Our nationality binds us together.

Republic day holds many meanings but it will always remain a National Holiday. The Reason that Republic Day is a National Holiday is not because we have a chance to relax after some really busy days but it is a national holiday so hat all of us can come out of our monotonous routines to witness the uniqueness of this day. It is a holiday so, that we can all feel the true importance of this day. Declaring a holiday on this occasion would give people a chance to celebrate this festival in a much better way and with greater pomp and show. The current scenario yet adds a new meaning to Republic Day. Due to the Corona Pandemic, we do realise the importance of rules and regulations set up by the Government. Even though we are separated by distances still we are united from deep inside. This year, the Republic Day was celebrated with same spirit as the last year even though there were limited seats due to the COVID norms still all the Indians were there for the parade as they watched it from Televisions all over the country. This incident clearly displays that even a deadly virus can’t rupture our Unity and Nation's Pride. We all are together to face any new threat. A threat to our nation is a threat to us and we are only there to save our nation.

Republic Day will always mean respect for our nation. Our hearts should always be filled with pride towards our incredible Nation. We should not go pointing out the flaws in our nation, nor should we lament about its bad condition. If we would speak bad about our nation and not care about it’s worth then how we accept its name to sparkle in the world. In the end, it is the people of a nation itself that bring out the true meaning of Republic Day. If people of our nation aren’t aware enough about it then who would celebrate it. Understanding the true emotions of this day is what is much more important then watching the Parade. Republic Day won’t be special until we make it. It won’t hold much significance until we feel it. It won’t be true to the sacrifices of the great Freedom Fighters until we too aren’t ready to sacrifice for our nation. Republic Day’s true meaning can be brought out by the citizens of our country itself else it will just remain a holiday.