Comments on: Is the Republic Day parade still relevant?

By: SuhasiniMalik

SuhasiniMalik — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:34:40 +0000

Actually, I second the opinion mentioned in the above comment. No matter whether its Holi, 2nd october, 15th August or 26th January, most of the people are joyfully content with celebrating the public holidays making merry, organising terrace parties or wandering about streets blaring loud music. Even RWA gatherings, which earlier used to focus on flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural extravaganza or such similar competitions have given way to elaborate club dinners.

By: sultan-arora

sultan-arora — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:44:28 +0000

There is no doubt that national holidays in India have been reduced to status of extended vacations
when people choose to completely ignore the occasion. And instead, brace themselves for
raising toasts and public drinking binge. Many even go rampaging on streets.
So much that all national public holidays now wear a similar appearance
– shut dead shops, occasional peaceful families amid a huge number of miscreants littering empty
bottles and cans.

By: aryaanuranjita

aryaanuranjita — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:21:20 +0000

Saying that the article is calling for a controversy wouldnt’t be fair. And its certainly not ‘negative journalism’ as I see it. Its something that asks for an opinion on whether or not the Indian Republic Day has lost its significance, and I’d agree to the fact that things don’t look great on that aspect. I’m not sure where the so-called patriotism comes in and what exactly does it have to do with how anybody feels about the nation’s petty politics. Not addressing what it originally intended to address only makes it ever so clear that people would rather twist the tale and not give out their personal opinions for judgement’s sake, or maybe because they don’t have any. Eitherway, the point in this case is to not awkwardly opinionate and see Republic Day (or Independence Day, or any national day of importance for that matter) for what it truly is and what it means to celebrate – unity.
So would you want to believe that there are millions of other Indians who would do you a favor and attend a parade so as to not elaborate your absence at the same, OR just make way for the bit of ‘patriotism’ lurking in you? The answer (and the opinion), in the end, is your own.

By: Gopinath

Gopinath — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41:34 +0000

Dear Rohan,

Our Republic day parade is not just the show of our Military might but a show of our diverse cultural heritage. Moreover events like these definitely inspire young minds, perhaps even we grew up inspired by these events.

By: jojoe

jojoe — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:48:48 +0000

Dear Rohan,
I just read that India’s ranking in press freedom is 128/166 (same ranking that of Pakistan!!!). Gosh! then how come you are able to write like this. Hope you are not endangering your life by doing this!!
——————————————————-
If these ‘new comers’ have the freedom to write any thing they feel like, here in India, what would be their counterparts doing in Finland, which is ranked 1st?

Well written Vibhu!
I am wondering why I surf reuters, which always dwelve in negative journalism.

‘India- A Billion Aspiration’ : Either you change the heading, or write articles that suits it. – to all reuterreans.

By: DaraIndia

DaraIndia — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:15:18 +0000

Anuambrish, I understand where you are coming from and agree with the rot that exists in our system.

Celebrating the Republic and Independence Days are in way reminders of what we could have been and what we are. It is also very much like celebrating a birthday and anniversary in the family. Doesn’t matter whether you have had a good or bad year, it is still an occasion to celebrate. That is how I see it.

By: Mandhadi

Mandhadi — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:32:31 +0000

Dear Author,

You have done a great job of collecting news from sources like Wikipedia. I appreciate your pain staking effort of collecting news from people who show their respect towards parents by giving them a place in a old age home.

Please never write a column without enough field work. Ask all the people what they do on January 26 at 8:00 am, you will get one answer- we watch the republic day parade. Don’t believe me.. I am sorry, then you better search wikipedia..

By: Anuambrish

Anuambrish — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:41:49 +0000

I feel the author has done a commendable job in raising a question about the relevance of Republic Day celebrations. When India became independent, celebrations like Republic Day were a way to convey to the ordinary citizens, in the aftermath of partition and the riots that followed, that the country has a bright future. Now after more than 60 years when millions of people still live in abject poverty and the country is beset with a whole lot of external and internal problems, even the most ill-informed can make out that the future of the country is in a peril if urgent corrective steps are not taken.

Hence I feel that these celebrations can be got rid off, saving the colossal amount of money and resources that go into organising these events. What is the use of celebrating the day on which India gave itself a constitution when the country as a whole has failed miserably in upholding the values enshrined in it, in letter and spirit.

By: Ragub

Ragub — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:23:42 +0000

Everyone, It is why not? Questioning traditions and faking modernisms has become a fashion starting from Sashi Tharoor. These types of parades happen in most “advanced” countries. If we are not patient to accept it for one day, then…

Proof by Contradiction – Why Not. If Obama is given Nobel peace prize and Gandhi not – Scrap Nobel. If tainted hotelier got a padma award and not the olympian – scrap padma. If we can have a tainted President – scrap presidency. C’mon If you have any problms, you celebrate Republic day however you want but dont think of thrusting your twisted notion on others.

Atleast be content you get an extended weeknd wherein people do shopping and economy is stimulated

By: DaraIndia

DaraIndia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:11:09 +0000

The Republic day parade is essentially to showcase and remmber our forces and to an extent our history and culture.

If the argument against it, as someone pointed out, is our lack of progress and poverty etc. then the answer lies not in doing away with the parade but perhaps, by the same logic, questioning whether we need parliament or government? Poverty, corruption etc are not because of the parade but bad governance. The total cost of the parade is not a fraction of the black money, and lost to the nation by way of revenue to the country.

To spend a day annually to remember the forces and our country is not a tax on the community. To take pride in the nation, even for a few hours, is not a waste of money. Anyways you don’t need to watch it to prove you are macho. Respect the sentiments of the millions who throng there and watch it on TV. You have a choice.