26th January means attending a flag hoisting ceremony in our area and watching the republic day parade on TV. We would also participate/listen in roadside programs like singing patriotic songs later that evening. But, India’s 70th republic day was memorable.
Once, I started to work, my travels out of India increased. I made attempts to attend the flag hoisting ceremony at the Indian embassy or consulate in the visiting country. The credit for this kind of patriotism goes to my parents and the many incidents narrated to us about our grandfather’s contributions to the Indian freedom struggle. Credit also goes to our neighborhood & the people with whom I spend my childhood. But, India’s 70th republic day was memorable.
In his book, Atreyapuram to Mumbai Megapolis. The Exciting Journey of a Village Boy, my father writes about how he imbibed the spirit of sacrifice, social service, and hard work, early in his childhood from his parents.
Typically on this day, I nudge my children (millennials) to attend a flag hoisting ceremony in our society premises and/or watch – at least some parts of – the republic day parade on TV. On one occasion, I took our children to watch the republic day parade at Shivaji Park, Mumbai.
On India’s 70th republic day, our daughter, Svikriti sang at the flag hoisting ceremony at a public garden opposite our house. My wife had enrolled her. Svikriti sang Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, a song written by Kavi Pradeep, sung by Lata Mangeshkar and composed by C. Ramchandra.
Impressed, our local corporate, Smt. Dayavati Sampat Shewale insisted that Svikriti should also sing at the evening program. Shri Vinod Trivedi, the conductor of the program was kind to accommodate her request.
Svikriti nudged her brother Sriharsh to sing along. And, together they sang a duet.
Because my parents could not attend the program, they asked their grandchildren to sing the same song again late at night for them.
All of us enjoyed the experience.
India’s 70th Republic day was a memorable one for all of us.
Very nicely sung by you both ???????