Republic Day 2013

Many do it by force of habit. Some do it for fun. Some others do it because they have to. And then there are those who do it because they like to. Whatever the reason, raising the national tricolour on Republic Day is a special moment for every Indian. It fills the heart with a sudden surge of patriotism It’s magical. Euphoric. Contagious. Regardless of age, gender, caste, faith, political leaning or community feeling, we are united as one – as PROUD INDIANS.
Today’s Republic Day celebration at the Club captured this spirit of oneness. Everyone in the Garden was part of it. Yesterday, Srichand Arora had urged all members to pick up paper flags on their way to the Garden this morning. Little did he expect that there would be so many flags that Nahid Khan’s grandchildren, Eeram and Alviya (left pic) would have to go around distributing them to all and sundry -- on the walking track, those relaxing on the garden benches and even bystanders.
Naturally, they all invited themselves when the call for singing the national anthem was given (lead pic) and partook in the luddoos Arora had specially arranged for the occasion. Suresh Samel, an ex-sales tax commissioner (right pic) also took the opportunity to deliver a soul stirring speech to whip up nationalistic sentiments – but it was in chaste Marathi.
Along the sidelines, Ved Prakash Grover became the victim of some mischievous rubber-band stinging with Harish Wadhwa subsequently taking over to turn the tables on Arora. Mumtaz Jahan (left pic) pranced about with a flag stuck to the back of her head like an antenna. Little Alviya also kept everyone amused with her pranks -- starting with correcting Shekhawat and Bose while conducting the exercises with her grandmother. In fact, as the picture above shows, we had as many as three ‘instructors’ to take us through the free-hand exercises today.
Meanwhile, Razia Khan has e-mailed us this lovely message: "Ye Baat Hawaaon Ko Bataye Rakhna/ Roshni Hogi Charagon Ko Jalaaye Rakhna,/ Lahu Dekar Jis Tirange Ki Hifaazat Hamne Ki, Iss Tirange Ko Sada Dil Mein Basaaye Rakhna!” Happy Republic Day!
Jagmohan Papneja:
The Indian family celebrating Republic Day in Garden No 4. The pics reflect 'unity in diversity' and our cultural heritage. May our dream of a new tomorrow come true. Happy REPUBLIC DAY.
Harish Wadhwa:
The Republic Day pics are really nice -- as good or better than professionals. Good work Blog Monster!