What exactly is Republic Day?
Why Republic Day?
What is it about the word called Nation?
Does patriotism make any sense?
Is the division of mankind on the basis of a Nation any better than the current demand for division on the basis of State?
How long has India existed?
This Republic day was different. Sometimes the breaking down of certain things paves the way for the building up for the others.
Sankalp had planned to visit schools on Republic Day 2010. We had planned to get in small groups and go around the town giving out the dual message:
The one of blood
And the one of Project Tiranga
Getting the National Flag it's due respect, specially in the wake of the permission to use the plastic National flags is something we wanted to do. However, most schools were either closed, or just open for the teachers to come for the programme. Some however, had fixed schedule. Consequently, we were left with nothing to do with no schools in sight.
People who know Sankalp are aware of our regular meetings. So, it sounded pretty routine when we proposed to meet on Republic Day morning. Yet, that was the plan.
However, the get together was not as routine as you would expect it to be. Have a re-look at the questions above. 2 hours of intense discussion. Young revolutionaries, putting together their heads, their thoughts to strengthen the connect. Young souls seeking answers to questions that have been puzzling the philosophers for a while now. Yet, there was some rich discussion.
There was talk about Dr Satish Dhavan. The hero was remembered and saluted. There were songs sung to the glory of the Nation. we are no musicians and singers, however, when we put our voices together to sing praise to our motherland, it sparks something inside. We spent the time, mesmerised in the thoughts of our people, our soil and our nation.
An interesting point was raised by Vinay, a new Volunteer, about the youth indulging in more making themselves happy more than serving the nation. It was strange thing for some volunteers. They themselves indulge in things that make them happy. They feel good about it. Just that they know happiness to a better degree now. They know that one can be happier working than searching for happiness in recreation.
While most volunteers were busy with this programme, some others were participating the Republic Day function organised at the Vivekananda School.
Program started with welcome speech welcoming all the presiding guests. Then there were dance and cultural activities from student of different classes. The ground was too small for a parade, yet the students managed to give a full fledged parade. There were speeches on Republic Day given by the students in Hindi, English and Kannada.
The drill session by the students was a delight with one group doing the show and the other group synching up as soon as the first group completed their drill. The enthusiasm with which the students chanted the Patriotic slogans was great. There was enthusiastic display of pyramids, march past, group exercises and some speeches.
One particular event that was found amazing, told by one of our Volunteers, was when the flag hoisting started. The flag got stuck while the hoisting was being done. One student volunteered to offer help. He climbed the pole with great ease and helped the teachers unfurl the flag. While he was getting down, the flag opened and flowers started pouring down from the flag. He stood in his position holding the pole with one hand and gave a salute. It was simply awesome as our volunteer puts it.
One of our Volunteers spoke about honouring our national flag and not throwing it down on the ground. At the end of the program few chocolates which we taken with us were distributed. After student left we spent some time with teacher knowing how were things going on in school. We got the information the some rooms have got fans but some have not. 2 celling fan and 2 table fans are required. With nostalgic feeling in heart, we came back promising to get back soon next time.
The day held a special meaning for most of us. It could help us get some more clarity, see a mile further, seek some more answers. After all it is important for people who want to serve their nation to know what they are doing.