From childhood it’s been a thing in my family to watch the Republic Day Parade. Go to school… hoist the flag… and come home in time to watch the awesome parade. How many of you watch it? It’s beautiful… it really is. If you haven’t ever seen it, then it’s time you do. And show your children as well. There are beautiful tableaux from various states and ministries. Colourful traditional dances performed by school students. I agree… it might not be as grand or huge as some parades seen abroad, but it’s our own desi version and it’s fantastic.

P has been in the habit now and this year she asked on her own to watch it. I switched on the TV and left her to watch till the time the dignitaries arrived and the ceremony started. As I was going around doing my stuff I realised she was standing with a salute towards the TV. The National Anthem was on. I got the pic but she put down her hand by the time I got the phone to click. I was touched. Not because I have taught her to do this. This is totally her school. In fact I will admit that at least at home we take the privilege of sitting and relaxing on the sofa while the anthem plays on TV. But she stood up. And that reflects a lot on what her school has taught her. I’m glad their school stresses on this and that’s at least one thing they are getting right.

She also made a small badge of Pom poms which she started in school. She had made the Pom poms in school and assembled them at home. Proudly wore it around all day.

I love my country. I’m proud to be born in a country with such a diverse culture , rich history and so many languages. But there are so many things around which make us think twice if we are headed in the right direction as a nation. With proper education and values maybe some day people will have the right sense to not do silly things which divide and destroy the nation.

It’s a far away dream. There is no perfect nation. But can we have a peaceful nation where citizens are confident in the ministers of power and trust the judicial system. Not scared of goons and casteism.