Republic Day 2015

January 28, 2015 01:08 am | Updated November 17, 2021 01:01 am IST

The Republic Day parade did infuse pride in every Indian after watching defence personnel along with paramilitary forces marching with vigour, life and energy amid diversity and vibrant colours and representing our different geographies. (“ > Military might on parade in backdrop of fog, rain ,” Jan.27). However, it was a bit jarring to note that the minuscule display of weaponaries, largely of Russian origin and backed by American acquisitions and the tableaus of States, were largely an acknowledgement of the inability of our various scientific organisations to think high. I am sure the world’s most powerful man must have suppressed a smile over his great confidence now to strike a long-term defence deal with India.

Reshmi Chandra,

Chennai

One wonders whether President Barack Obama and Narendra Modi and the millions who witnessed the parade live or on television spared a thought for Jawaharlal Nehru, the man who led India to it and whose “soaring idealism” was even mentioned by President Kennedy in his inauguration address. It was the Purna Swaraj resolution moved by Nehru at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 which unambiguously defined the objective of our struggle for independence as the establishment of a sovereign democratic republic and led to the observance of January 26 as Purna Swaraj Day every year. It was also the reason why January 26 was designated Republic Day when the Constitution was finalised in 1950. It was mainly Nehru’s idea to have an impressive parade on Republic Day every year to strengthen the nation’s unity in diversity, and demonstrate its military might, economic and social progress as well as its vast cultural heritage.

S.S. Kaimal,

Thiruvananthapuram

As a proud Indian living in West Asia for over 20 years, I have made it a point to rise early to watch the Republic Day celebrations. This year too was a proud moment for all Indians and I was especially impressed with the floats from Goa and northeast India. Telangana, the new entrant, too caught the eye. But I was completely taken aback and shocked by the sight of the Tamil Nadu float. When the proud State has much to show in the fields of tourism, the fine arts, literature and history, all of this was completely obfuscated by what one can call the competitive politics of the Dravidian parties.

Krishna Parthasarathy,

Dubai

Correction

>>A letter under the heading “Republic Day 2015” (Letters to the Editor, Jan. 28, 2015) said the Constitution was finalised in 1951. It should have been 1950.

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