Its maybe been a decade (probably more) since I turned on the TV at 9 am to watch that oddly quintessential memory from my childhood...The Republic day parade. No, Im not some fundamentalist pseudo patriot who thumps his chest at the mere mention of his country and/or its achievements...however I am immensely proud to state my nationality as Indian; when I present myself at the desk of an immigration officer in a foreign country or when I stand rigid and proud no matter where I hear our national anthem, or even when I will wear a fierecely ehnic ensemble, when the diktat might be to do otherwise. My country, our country, with all of its faults, shortcomings, ills, poverty and corruption is still the most vibrant, culturally rich and fascinating place on this entire planet. With all our pockets of religious fundamentalism, we still have a Hindu president and a Muslim vice president...And the roles were reversed not that long ago! For all our biases, we still stand in respect when a soldiers wife comes to collect a gallantry award posthumously. We still defer to our elders (for the most part) and still manage to work miracles when the rest of the world says it cant be done. Cue Chandaryan... We are fuelled by contradictions of the worst kind and yet we survive in some sort of undescribable form. We are a kind and generous race, maybe too much at times for our own good, but thats what defines us as a people. As Indians. And a country whos security and integrity, my father fought 3 all out wars and far too many unnamed and undocumented proxy wars, I am too invested in to even think of giving up on and walking away from. Damn I love it here. Happy Republic day to the most vibrant amalgamation of colour, taste, religion, language and good cheer... India, Its going to be another glorious year!
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 06:01:57 +0000
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