Republic Day special: TV actors gear up for the celebrations amid pandemic

Republic Day always calls for a nation-wide celebration. It deserves special and respectful attention. Amid pandemic TV celebs shares ideas about how they will be celebrating the occasion. On the occasion of 72nd Republic Day, here's how actors are gearing up.

I am a proud Indian and I love celebrating Republic Day every year. In fact, I have many memories from my childhood, but the most special one is seeing my cousin sister, Ruchira Chatterjee, leading her contingent at the Republic Day parade. She was the first woman RPF officer to lead the parade and as kids, we used to look up to her. We all were very proud seeing her walk at the Republic Day parade with a sword in her hand and even now, I do watch the parade whenever possible. I feel really proud of my country and this Republic Day, I feel everyone should be proud being Indians first and we should raise a voice against whoever tries to tarnish the image of our nation, even if it’s our friends. As a country, we should also understand the true meaning of secularism, as we have started being intolerant over the past few years. Let us unite together and work for the betterment of the country.

Traditions are important, and there is no better way to pay homage to our country’s rich cultural heritage than by organizing special programs celebrating it. Hosting cultural events on Republic Day is a lovely way to remember our country’s varied and vibrant ethos. As I stay in a joint family and we are many members so we are organizing a small family event in which both young and old can participate in these events to build a positive morale. These programs can range from lunch celebrations, special performances, patriotic songs, and speeches. Honoring these traditions every passing year can allow our kids to understand the spirit of patriotism.

Flag hoisting ceremony is central to Republic Day celebrations every year. As the National Flag is a symbol of our national pride, we can organise a small event at our resident or societies following covid-awareness. But, before hoisting a flag, it is important to learn the rules. It should be hoisted at a height and at a distinct place. The flag should also be hoisted for a short time and lowered slowly with full honor. If a chief guest or speaker is invited for a special Republic Day function, then the National flag should be displayed behind and to the right of the speaker. Also, the saffron band of the flag should be uppermost when the flag is displayed horizontally.

Our country has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. From our flourishing forests to the sea life, we have the most distinctive flora and fauna. But the waste especially plastics that are disposed of thoughtlessly are polluting our streets, parks, beaches, and waterways. We are all to be blamed for causing this menace but we can also be part of campaigns to clear the filth. So organising cleaning drives on Republic Day can be a good start. This can provide a good opportunity for keeping our environment clean and also educate the community about going green.

Patriotic discussions with our family and friends, on well-known leaders are one of the main highlights of commemorating our great leaders on Republic Day. An empowering talks can inspire the younger generation to appreciate and respect our motherland better. They can learn to stay united irrespective of caste, race, and religion.

The one fundamental right that I take very seriously is the right to equality by supporting my family and being independent myself. In spite of being a part of a conservative family I have equal rights in every family decision taken in the house. Also, the fundamental duty that I think everyone should take seriously is towards the environment/nature. I like planting a lot of trees in and around my house and I also try to save water wherever I can. I have felt proud of my country at every moment of my life and I believe that one does not need a special occasion or a moment to feel proud, it’s in my blood and I am proud to be an Indian.”

I feel proud of our country's democracy as well as the opportunities that our country provides to its citizens. Everytime we have elections, we get to choose our Government, whether it is for our state or the country. A lot of countries don't give their citizens such an opportunity. Also, the peacefully conducted election in India proves to the world that inspite of such a vast diversity in our country, we can smoothly conduct elections without any hiccups. This really makes me proud.

The fundamental rights that I sincerely follow are Right to Equality and right to freedom. I strongly believe that a d difference between a girl and a boy must not limit anyone to freely speak or express themselves. A person is not defined by their gender but by their will to achieve all that they wish in life. I clearly remember the one moment when I felt really proud to be an Indian was when I became NCC sergeant from NCC cadet and won the best commanding officer of NCC in 2012. When they were giving me the badges for the best commanding officer, my parents were also present there and it was a proud moment for both of us. I also feel proud to be an Indian because of the vast culture in India and that culture can be carried from generation to generation. Given a choice I wouldn’t want to leave this country.

I remember when I was back in school, I used to always perform in the special Republic Day dances that would happen on this day. It was a yearly fixed routine, and it was one of the things that I used to eagerly look forward to, performing in front of a large crowd and we used to begin rehearsals nearly a month before for this. It’s much later in life that I began watching the parade on television with my parents and developed a different importance and meaning for this day. As we celebrate yet another Republic Day, I truly hope our nation only progresses from here on and here’s wishing each one of our viewers a very Happy Republic Day.

The most innocent and adorable childhood memory I have of Republic Day is of the flag hoisting that used to happen in our societies. Back when we were kids, I remember we used to love standing under the flag as we would wait for the flower petals to fall on us and we would try catching them in our palms. It’s only much later that we began learning and understanding the true meaning and importance of this day. Every Republic Day celebration has been the same where I have spent time watching the parade with my family and this year too, I plan to continue this tradition. I would like to wish all the citizens of India a very Happy Republic Day and I hope they feel proud of being an Indian in the same way that I do.

I remember back in college, we had a huge Republic Day party and had to dress up in the National flag colours and had to carry food from each of our houses. On that day, I remember making a tri-coloured pulao which everyone loved eating and we also celebrated with unique tri-coloured non-alcoholic drinks as a part of the party. I think this was one Republic Day which however unusual was very memorable and till date I clearly remember how we were after our parents to give us some money to purchase things of the Indian flag’s colour. Where this day is concerned, I often feel the value and importance that people have for Republic Day just gets completely washed out because of Independence Day. Most Indians don’t even know what Republic Day is celebrated for and forget that it was the day our constitution was formed. This is a teaching that I am currently enforcing amongst my children and I hope many others also realize the value this day holds in Indian history. Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Republic Day.

Ever since I was a kid, Republic Day has always made my heart swell with pride. After all it was the day, when we used to see the Republic Day Parade, go for the flag hoisting, sing patriotic songs and watch patriotic movies. I have celebrated this day with great pride and enthusiasm every year and this year is going to be the same. I must also say that we should also salute our soldiers on the borders who are fighting every day to protect us so that we feel safe and secure at home and also all the lawmakers who have ensured that every citizen feels that they are a part of this amazing democratic nation.

Singing our National Anthem is a must. Singing the revered song on this day has been a part and parcel of our patriotic fervour. The National Anthem resonates sentiments of national pride and belonging.

Decorating is another way of enlivening your environment-home or office. And it makes for great Republic Day celebration ideas in home alike. Brightening the space with beautiful abstract painting, art decals, wall stickers, and graffiti can be a good idea. Simple paper decorations or folded paper fans in the tricolor can also give a creative touch. Another popular celebration is rangoli-floor design. We can experiment using glitter paper and flowers apart from rangoli powders. We can also pick up tri-color cushion, planters, coasters, chimes, LED lights, and frames to blend into the theme.

Honoring senior citizens should be an absolute must during Republic Day in an apartment. Honoring and felicitating them for their achievements and contribution towards society over the years is a way of showing appreciation and respect. We can just gift them hand-made flags or sweets.