Hoisting the flag on a foggy winter morning in the school grounds or huddled in front of the television watching the Republic Day parade with loved ones are some of the fondest memories we all have from our childhood. Aahana Kumra, who stars in Zee Theater’s ‘Sir Sir Sarla’, is no exception and says, “I remember waking up early in the morning to watch the Republic Day show on Doordarshan and I still cherish this family ritual. The hanging of the flag was also a very integral part. my family because my mom gave 40 years to the police force and that’s something we’ve always done. Another memory is watching her cry every time “Ae mere Watan ke logo” was played on the radio or TV. the day reminds us that we are all Indians first and must put our country before anything else.”
Sadiya Siddiqui, who features in Zee Theatre’s literary anthology, ‘Koi Baat Chale’ and reads Saadat Hasan Manto’s story ‘Hatak’, says, “I remember as a cadet in school practicing the Republic Day parade march past. I also had speeches about India’s ideals of unity in diversity. I felt very proud that India had so many languages and religions but loved every citizen equally. We all celebrated each other’s holiday and I wish those days were back.”
Sadiya hopes that as a nation we will honor our constitution and seek policies that help the less privileged and differently abled so that all can live, commute and work with dignity. He adds: “And I definitely want more love, more mutual tolerance, because life is short and only unity and peace can make this world a better place.”
Actor Vivaan Shah, who reads Munshi Premchand’s story ‘Gulli Danda’ in Zee Theatre’s ‘Koi Baat Chale’, has vivid memories of the Republic Day parades, the cheers and the exciting spirit of the occasion and says, “I remember being a part of many events . in school on this day and watching movies like ‘Gandhi’ and ‘Mother India’ which would be telecast by Doordarshan. Also, Bhisham Sahni’s ‘Tamas’ left a deep impact on me growing up. What I have absorbed from the syncretic culture of India is that there is a difference between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism is the love of one’s country, while nationalism is the hatred of someone else or their country. Gandhiji taught us to practice love and peace and not hatred and enmity. And that would be my message on this special day as well.”
Famous actor and director Seema Pahwa, who directs Koi Baat Chale at Zee Theatre, recalls, “I still fondly remember practicing for the Republic Day show and watching films like ‘Gandhi’, ‘Shaheed’ and ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, which evoked such a deeply patriotic feeling. On this day, I would just say that if we want to see change, we have to herald it ourselves. Only by developing ourselves can we contribute to the development of the nation. If we start working on ourselves, eventually the country will progress as well as us.”
