Today is India's 65th Republic Day. On this day in 1950 India adopted its Constitution and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was our first President. From 1955 onward the Republic Day was celebrated as it is done now with a grand parade and all Indian states show cashing its progress, art and culture. School students dance in gay abandon. Usually a foreign dignitary shares the dais with our President on this occasion. For any nation it is a great day, and so ...is for us. Today India plays a pivotal role in international affairs.
What a contrast between the pre- and post-independent India! Our National Anthem, considered the best among the nations, inspires each heart and gives a spark to our national life. Millions have sacrificed everything and joined the Mahatma in a peaceful struggle, first of its kind, to win freedom. Many in power today unfortunately do not realize what Netaji Subhash Bose did and how many people languished in many jails including the pitiable one in Andaman, and just enjoy the seat of power and misuse the state funds in wasteful projects.
This year's Republic Day is special. We shall go to polls soon after this. Besides, a new phenomenon has cropped up with the emergence of youth power under the banner of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) (A party of Common people). It has put great fear among the existing political parties, for its main agenda is to fight corruption at high places. If AAP can stick to its promise, there shall be another 'independence' for India, this time to be free from corruption. That shall be a great day in our history, a dream that Mahatma Gandhi always cherished.
Let us hope for the best, and wish each other 'Happy Republic Day'. Jai Hind.
