26 January 2007

Ganatantra Divas

I remember watching the 'zakhis' on the republic day parade. I remember my mom mentioning me how talented the school children were who were participating in the parade (a offcut remark on my useless childhood). I remember feeling utterly bored at the President's hour and half long speech about unimportant, trivial issues. I remember the good food which was prepared which the entire family ate after watching the parade on TV together. I remember each person having his/her opinion on which state had the best 'zakhi'.

fast forward 15 years in future.. (a deep sigh + knot in the heart + drudging weariness in the head) .. Anyways, read on about this year Republic Day Parade. Also would earnestly prod everyone to take time out from their busy lives and read the full extract of the President's speech. Source : Rediff News

Goa made a grand entry giving a glimpse of its famed architecture, communal harmony and rural lifestyle. Arunachal Pradesh presented its varied flora and fauna and its unique cane-suspension bridges used to traverse inhospitable terrain.

Chhattisgarh exhibited the traditional bell metal artefact-making 'Dokra Art' while Uttarakhand projected its tourism attraction with a depiction of the famed Corbett National Park, the tiger reserve on the foothills of the Himalayas.

Himachal Pradesh displayed Dhankar and Kee Buddhist monasteries, reflecting its religious diversity while southern state Kerala presented its institute of music and art -- Kalamandalam that imparts knowledge of art forms, including 'Kathakali,' 'Koodiyattam' and 'Panchavadyam' in 'Gurukul' tradition.

The 'Sarhul' festival -- where tribes worship the Sal tree for its therapeutic value -- was the highlight of the state tableau of Jharkhand, while blend of all faiths in Jammu and Kashmir came alive on its tableau carrying models of the Bavey Wali Mata temple, the Charar-e-Sharif mosque and the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh region.

The thriving beekeeping industry producing high quality natural honey and juicy oranges that make Meghalaya famous was the theme of its float while the Kangla festival, when Manipuris from hills and plains gather dressed in traditional attire to pray for peace and prosperity, was the focus of the state tableau.

Assam depicted the evolution of the oil industry in India while Madhya Pradesh projected the diversity of its art culture through the annual Tansen Festival of Gwalior held in memory of the legendary musician.

The Maharashtra tableau brought out the unison of Shaiva and Vaishanav forms of worship, while famed wooden toys, masks and paper works adorned the tableau of Orissa.
Uttar Pradesh dedicated its tableau to the memory of the first war for Independence, while Mizoram presented its efforts in soil and water conservation and Delhi brought out the contribution made by women in various fields


India... I shall be back one day. Truly, truly love you

4 comments

Blogger Unknown kuchh to bolti...

I liked your last line. Republic day definitely has its meaning where every state tries to present good things in front of President. But who will present the plight of those hungry children..who will check the plans designed by PM whether reaching to the root level or not? Does anybody depict these things? Check out this http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?id=99894&frmsrch=1&txtsrch=hunger
Anyways republic day has lost its meaning more or other way. Somebody needs to revive the things for coming generation. We were lucky that when we watched the things on TV in our childhood, there was nothing else other than Doordarshan. So at least we know how good it is and how meaningful it could be. But I doubt about next generations to come about the importance and knowledge of republic day.

7:24 PM  
Blogger Jas B kuchh to bolti...

I miss the ritual of watching the Republic day parade on TV with my parents, brother and sister during our childhood years.

11:52 PM  
Blogger KAD kuchh to bolti...

I know how it is...patriotism was at its zenith when I was not in India and now didn't even care on Republic day. Was just another day when I was still working, slogging and making money (hopefully).

Some things are realised only when you don't have it/away from it.

7:17 PM  
Blogger Unknown kuchh to bolti...

@kanishka: Agree but mostly Disagree.

Why Agree? Being outside the country helps one to construct a holistic picture. With India, only the macro view is feel good

Why Disgree? Being outside the country does not necessarily change the intrinsic traits and subsequently the thoughts of a person. I believe its a character strength to raise one's thoughts above the usual grind of work, money and human relationships.

Cheers and Jai Hind :-)

10:16 AM  

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