The colours of patriotism

Yet another Republic Day is here, and one can see the City bustling with activity, painted in orange, white and green.

From marchpasts to singing the National Anthem perfectly, most of us have special memories of the day. Youngsters share some of theirs with Metrolife.

While for some, it is just a holiday, for youngsters like Vidyashree KS, a BA LLB student from MS Ramaiah College of Law, the day has a deeper meaning. “Our Constitution came into being on this day. Apart from the celebrations and parades, this day is a reminder of the rights we enjoy,” she says.

Flag hoisting is one of the main features of the day, says Chandini G, a student of fashion technology from The Oxford College of Science. She says that like every year, she will be watching the celebrations at a park near her house, and then will attend the special programmes organised in college. “I will be wearing a special outfit on the day. It has orange, white and green,” says Chandini excitedly.

The spirit of the day can be seen across the City, from the different parade practices at school grounds to the little flags sold on the streets. Some like Mohammed Zikrulla, a BE Information Science student of T John Institution of Technology says, “Vendors on the streets come up with interesting badges and innovative products for the day. Also, all the shops have decorations in the three distinct colours.” He feels that Republic Day is remembering the day India received the gift of the Constitution.

Sudais Siid, a BBM student of Dayananda Sagar Institutions, says that nothing beats the thrill and excitement of being physically present to watch the Republic Day Parade. “Being a part of the bustling crowd of compatriots, soaking in all the sights and sounds and sharing the feeling of belonging to a great and powerful nation, is a real celebration,” he says.

Sanjana Shetty, a student of Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology, recalls her school days. “We had to go early in the morning to the stadium for the marchpast and flag hoisting.

One would have to stand under the sun for long hours without complaining,” she says. She adds that there were different groups in the school, with each having its own colour. “The group that marched the best used to bag the prize,” she notes.

For many like Mohammed Tabrez, a student of St Francis Composite PU College, the day brings umpteen memories. “It is a day when we would be glued to our television screens, waiting to watch the Republic Day Parade.” He says that he particularly looks forward to the cultural float of Karnataka, and feels proud when the State is represented well. “I will be watching the show this year too,” he says excitedly.

Like many other occasions, this is also another day for a get-together. Sudha S, a computer science student, says, “The celebrations have become Western in style now. Some now have tri-colour parties, where everything from the decorations to desserts and costumes, are in orange, white and green.”

She adds that she and her friends will be hosting a house party, where they intend to start the day attending a flag hosting event near her house in JP Nagar. “We will move on to watch patriotic movies like ‘Border’ and also have a historical quiz and other entertainment related to the day,” she sums up.