Saare Jahan se Achcha Hindustan Hamara

We have often heard of couples renewing the vows in their marriage- and having a gala party afterwards to celebrate the occasion. What are we doing tomorrow to celebrate the renewal of our vows to our nation? Celebrate this day- the 26th of January; buy some sweets and surprise someone and of course vow to do something for your nation! Just one thing in your entire life- one small, tiny thing to make a tiny difference somewhere. Isn't that possible? It is! So let's do it!

Republic Day

The Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950 and India became a truly sovereign state. The country finally realized the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and the numerous freedom fighters who, fought for and sacrificed their lives for the Independence of their country. So, the 26th of January was decreed a national holiday and has been recognized and celebrated as the Republic Day of India, ever since.

Today, the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country and especially in the capital, New Delhi where the celebrations start with the Presidential address to the nation. The beginning of the occasion is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defense of sovereignty of their country. Medals of bravery are awarded to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage on the field and to civilians for their life-saving actions.

Wikipedia- the internet Encyclopedia describes a Republic as 'a state whose political organization rests on the principle that the citizens or electorate constitute the ultimate root of legitimacy and sovereignty.' Several definitions, including that of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, stress the importance of autonomy and the 'rule of law' as part of the requirements for a Republic. Nonetheless, in practice most nations that do not have a hereditary monarchy call themselves a Republic, and in its broadest sense the idea of a Republic can include almost any form of government that is not a Monarchy.

Rephrasing words and re-interpreting laws have been the evergreen hobbies of politicians, more so these days- so meanings are best left to individual interpretations as long as the intentions are good.

As always, today all we wish for is that India forever be 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam'- which means a "One World Family". Jai Hind!