The first thing I look forward to
on India’s Independence Day and Republic Day is not the parade or the Prime
Minister’s speech—it is wearing the tricolour flag pin on my left shoulder.
From my school days to this very moment, that simple act has been my greatest
expression of pride as an Indian.
No matter where I am—whether
staying at home or stepping out to attend a gathering or family function—you
will always find me with the national flag pinned to my saree. It is more than
a symbol; it is my connection to the spirit of freedom and unity.
The Joy of Sharing the Tricolour
Along with wearing the flag
myself, I make it a point to share that pride with others. Every year, I
distribute flags to children, elders, and anyone I meet on that day. I don’t
just hand it over—I ask them to pin it properly, with the saffron colour on
top, and then greet them with a smile and patriotic wishes.
This year, my first encounter on
Independence Day was with a flower seller who came to deliver flowers. She was
the first person I greeted that morning. I gave her a flag, a pin, and two
chocolates, and ensured she wore it with respect. That moment filled my heart
with joy—it reminded me that patriotism lives in small gestures too.
Har Ghar Tiranga &
Celebrations in the Community
The Har Ghar Tiranga initiative
added another layer of celebration. This time, we gave special attention to the
national symbols—the tiger, lotus, and peacock—which made the children in my
apartment very excited. Their enthusiasm was infectious; watching them wave the
flag and cheer gave me hope for a generation that will carry forward this love
for our country.
Memories of Flag Hoisting
From childhood through my college
years, I never missed a flag hoisting ceremony. Later, even when it became
difficult for family elders to step out, we made it a ritual to sit before the
television on national days. Together, we watched the Prime Minister hoist the
flag at the Red Fort.
We stood, saluted, and sang the
national anthem—even if it was just in front of the TV. I grew up watching my
parents and grandparents do this with utmost sincerity. They taught me that
respect for the nation is not about where you are standing, but about how your
heart responds when the flag is raised.
Every year, we also make it a
point to listen to the President’s address on the eve of these occasions,
followed by the Prime Minister’s speech the next morning. These were not just
events but family traditions that instilled discipline, respect, and awareness.
Lessons from the Parade
One of my favourite memories as a
child was watching the Republic Day parade. My family and I would sit together
and note down the different state representations. Each tableau gave us
knowledge about culture, history, and geography—it was like a live classroom.
Those parades taught us to appreciate the diversity and strength of India long
before textbooks did.
Patriotism as a Way of Life
In our family, patriotism is not
just about celebrations—it is a way of life. Respect for the national flag, the
sacrifices of our freedom fighters, and the courage with which independence was
earned are lessons that are often emphasised. Along with pride, there come
reminders of responsibility: the duties of a citizen toward the nation.
These traditions stay with me
today. Every pin I wear, every anthem I sing, every flag I pass on to a child
keeps me connected to the values my elders shared. For me, being Indian is not
just about enjoying freedom — it is about living with gratitude, respect, and
responsibility.
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