Republic Day Archives

For My Mother, the Biggest Indian Festival of All Was Republic Day

The Republic Day Parade celebrates the Constitution, itself an expression of the spirit of our country and its diversity – of dances and songs, physical features, historical characters and incidents; the countless stories that make up this glorious republic.

Vijayta Mahendru July 24, 2016

People

How Gulzar Sahab, My Imaginary Friend, Made Me Fall in Love With Words

On Gulzar Sahab’s 86th birthday, I can’t help but reminisce on the relationship I developed with his prodigious artistry with words, early on in life. Gulzar Sahab is the reason I can, without trying, use words like aabshaar (waterfall), taskeen (contentment), and ruhaniyat (spirituality) when I want to.

Sonali Kokra May 5, 2016

POV

Why We Indians Are Nothing Like Our National Animal

Is the tiger the correct choice for our national animal? Maybe not. Because we are nothing like the tiger. A lazy panda is what we should’ve picked.

Ramjaane April 27, 2016

Bollywood

Vishwatma: Bollywood’s Flashiest Story of Patriotism in Pardes

On Republic Day, we look back at Rajiv Rai’s cult classic Vishwatma, where Bollywood took deshbhakti to the diaspora. The film, which released 28 years ago, gave us the greatest masala national integration song, “Dil le gayi teri bindiya,” and reminds us of a time when no one was asked to prove their patriotism.

Pragyan Mohanty April 24, 2016

Bollywood

Feeling Extra Patriotic? Look Beyond Border & Watch These Deshbhakti Movies Instead

What does patriotism mean today? Does it lie in adhering to the Constitution? Does it lie in fixing “anti-nationals” with a ticket to Pakistan? Does it mean #BoycottChineseProducts? We revisit a few loved films that redefine deshbhakti for this age.

Pranay Dewani March 7, 2016

Gender

Lead Like a Woman: The Officers In Charge of This Year’s Republic Day Parade

From the first woman adjutant to lead Republic Day processions, to the first to join the Daredevils Motorcycle Team, tomorrow’s parade will feature dozens of Army women who have shattered the glass ceiling with their achievements. Here are a few names to look out for.

Mavis D'Silva March 6, 2016