JOIN USR-Day parade nostalgia
In the 50s, India basked in the glory of its recently acquired independence, and as a sovereign democratic republic.
The patriotic fervour ran high in the heart of each Indian, and the Republic Day parade in New Delhi was an eagerly awaited event by the young and old alike (TV was non existent and radio commentary was hardly an option!). My father, a diehard nationalist, insisted that we make every effort to witness the colourful and spectacular event.
This was also the time of “family reunions”. Unknown aunts and uncles from distant and far flung interiors, with an entourage of kids of all shapes and sizes, would suddenly descend unannounced on an unsuspecting home, to witness the parade.
Their visit would be invariably extended for trips to the Qutab Minar and Red Fort! On returning home, their visit to the capital would be a hot and proud topic of discussion!
Intense excitement prevailed in our home well before the New Year, which heralded the count down to the much awaited event. Despite receiving passes for a special enclosure at Rajpath, my father, a firm believer that ‘the early bird catches the worm’, involved us in making meticulous plans for reaching the venue on time and securing vantage points for an unhindered view. Equally important was packing alu puri and pickle to take care of our hunger pangs!
To reach the venue on time, it was a Herculean task to catch the 6.00 am bus from our locality to India Gate. The thought of waking up at 4.00 am to heat bath water in a ‘hamam’ (in the absence of geysers) on a dark, foggy, and teeth chattering winter morning, did not deter our enthusiasm in the least.
Cocooned in jackets, caps and mufflers, and braving a biting cold breeze, we would be greeted by long serpentine queues at the bus stop. An air of festivity prevailed with the National Flag being proudly displayed all over the city.
Unfurling of the National flag, in tandem with the haunting melody of our National Anthem, marked the commencement of proceedings. Bravery awards to members of the armed forces was a solemn reminder of the lives sacrificed during the freedom movement.
March pasts, in clockwork precision, by different regiments of the armed and paramilitary forces dressed in immaculate and smart uniforms, created a lasting impact on the young, who vowed to serve the nation when they grew up.
Moving tableaux depicting myriad cultures bringing out the diversity and richness of our vast nation, were a visual delight. Display of India’s military prowess like tanks and guns was followed by a fly-past by IAF fighter planes, their tipped wings symbolically signifying a salute to the President of India.
Their emission hues in the tri-colour left each spectator spellbound. Craning their necks to observe the perfectly synced daredevilry of the pilots, the audience enthusiastically cheered the majestic display.
After the parade, people returned home “feeling good”, their hearts brimming with pride over India’s successful struggle for independence and its defence preparedness.
Today, I nostalgically recall my childhood memories of those glorious days, and the total and unfettered involvement of each citizen in the well being and prosperity of this great country that is India! Jai Hind!