JOIN USKids thrilled to bits, wear patriotism on their sleeves
Six-year-old Aaditya woke up at 5 am on Tuesday as he wanted to witness his first ‘26 January Parade’ at Rajpath, his aunt Dimple told Deccan Herald.
Like Aaditya, many children braved the chilly winter of Delhi and arrived at the Rajpath wearing a cloak of patriotism.
“Last year as the security arrangements were very tight for Obama, Aaditya had to watch the parade on TV. This year, however, he was insisting on us to take him to Rajpath and let him watch the parade live,’’ said Aaditya’s aunt.
Aaditya’s elder brother, 12-year-old Lakshya, is a big fan of Prime MInister Narendra Modi, and watches all his speeches. Seeing Modi in flesh and blood was like seeing his favourite superhero in real life.
“I liked when Modiji came walking and waved at the people, it was a unique gesture. Normally, cameras are not allowed, but this time, they were. So we clicked a lot of photos of Modiji. I also made his videos,’’ said Aaditya.
Apart from kids, youngsters also arrived from all parts of the country to watch the 67th Republic Day Parade.
“It was a spectacular event. I have never seen something like this in my entire life. I liked the military bands, camel march and ultimately the fly-past of fighter aircrafts. Because of the parade, I could watch Modi twice today. I think he is really reaching out to people, and people are crazy about him. Never saw such mass hysteria for a leader before,’’ said Mano Teja, a civil service aspirant from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
A group of friends working in Delhi, but hailing from
Maharashtra suggests that every Delhiite should watch
the parade at least once in their life.
“Republic Day symbolises the transition from a monarchical form of government to the government of the republic, of the people. So I think, every countryman should celebrate it and if you live in Delhi and haven’t witnessed it yet, it’s a shame,’’ said Rahul Singh, an electronic engineer living in Munirka, Delhi.
From people singing the
national anthem and standing in respect for war veterans, to applauding the contingent of women marchers, there were many instances during the parade for people to feel proud about being born in India.