Musings on this Republic Day!
The best definition of
India that I have read is ‘Whatever you say about India, equal and opposite is also
true.’ No other nation can dare claim
such diversity.
I didn’t post pictures
of Republic day before. Somehow love for the country, celebration of
nationalism is dear to me; it is a feeling too personal to be shared publicly.
Does one have to profess the love for one’s mother?
The reason I am proud
of our country is not because one must love one’s own country. It is because
India is far greater nation than many others. It has sustained this diversity
and has given all, the space and opportunity to thrive and co-exist. And despite this all
this, we enjoy a unique Unity in diversity.
I belong to Kanpur, UP
and Hindi is my mother tongue. I studied in an English medium school, I work in
West Bengal and learnt Bengali. At present I am District Magistrate Darjeeling
and delivered Republic Day address in Nepali. I also wore a Black Head Gear with
a symbolic Khukri, the pride of Nepalese. When the national anthem was played,
I felt Goosebumps and I am sure this was felt all across the country. My
friends across the states in IAS put pictures of Republic day and believe me, every
place looks the same. May be the dress is different, language may be but the
essence is same. 
At one point of time, I
was a practicing Hindu, for some days I was an atheist and now I am an
agnostic. I am proud that my country provided place for all these state of
minds. I have found extremely conservative Muslims, Sikhs, and so have found
similar Hindus. I have found extremely progressive people in all religions too.
I have tried to look for love in all places and I have always found it; somehow
hatred never attracted me. The only book in which I truly believe is the Indian
Constitution.
The day we narrow meaning of nationalism, we may find many out of it. Love for one’s country is a
personal thing and no one has the right to question/define it. Our nation has
gone from strength to strength and I am sure no hatred/slogans can belittle it;
the only threat comes when one questions our diversity. Iqbal has said:
कुछ
बात
है
की
हस्ती
मिटती
नहीं
हमारी
सदियों
रहा
है
दुश्मन
दौरे
जहाँ
हमारा
I believe the strength
of our nation is in assimilation of all, even opposing ideals. Let us try to
unite and not divide on this Republic day and always. By the way, belated Happy
Republic Day, may we always cherish ideals of our Constitution!
