Republic Day & ‘Military Might’

There is a general consensus by now that every individual is entitled to their opinion and I myself know full well that there is a tonne lot of social and other media policing that has been going on with dogmatic egos in power trying to smother constructive criticism, but on such a day, I’ve decided to just to go with this…

Every year, on the 26th of January - The Indian Republic Day, and a couple others, India witnesses a grand parade down the Rajpath. With all due respect, the question that perpetually ask myself is –

Why? What good does it do? What message does it send out?

My problem is not with celebrating nationhood, not a jot, but the manner in which we are doing it year after year. This naked show of ‘Military Might’ with impressive reinforcements every year is quite flattering, but how is all of this productive in any way at all?

Yes, we are all proud Indians and this feeling of Nationalism is a common sentiment that we share but can we not commemorate the day the constitution came into effect by actually contributing towards nation building in some way or the other instead of ceremonious parades, meaninglessly exhibiting our combat capabilities on the streets?

Can we begin with planting trees or perhaps with something as simple as keeping our locality clean, maybe even distribute books free of cost to those unable to afford access to basic education, or provide free health services, free ration , etc. Can we not commence the year with a promise to neither take nor give bribe to government officials and practice other similar ethics?

Furthermore, since the secular fabric of our constitution is in grave unprecedented danger, maybe we can begin with putting an end to fuelling religious hatred inside the vicinity of our own homes first, so that all of this filth, one day, stops overflowing out on the streets.

Ideally, these should be daily affairs, but we must start somewhere and what better day to set things in motion than an Independence or a Republic Day?

Jai Hind!

Fahd Alam Hazarika,

Guwahati.