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!