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REPUBLIC DAY SPECIAL
Republic Day is just round the corner. How much do we know about this day? How is it different from Independence Day? What is the significance of the Indian National Flag? How can we celebrate this day with a difference?
India attained Independence on August 15, 1947 and hence every year on August 15 we celebrate Independence Day. After independence a constituent assembly was set up with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee which drafted the Indian constitution. This came into force on January 26, 1950 and since then we celebrate Republic Day on January 26. It is a day to showcase the vast cultural heritage of India and its concept of unity in diversity.
[Try the Republic Day Quiz at the end of this page]
The Indian National Flag, popularly known as the 'Tiranga' was adopted by the constituent assembly on 22nd July, 1947. The flag with the three colours saffron (representing sacrifice), white (representing peace) and green (representing prosperity) and the blue 'Dharma Chakra' in the centre of the white stripe not only symbolizes our tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for our freedom but also represents our nation on the international stage. Our late Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru rightly called it "a flag not only of freedom for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom for all people."
Some important facts about the National Flag:
- It is made of only one fabric, khadi.
- The three colours of the flag are in equal proportion.
- There are 24 spokes in the “Chakra” representing 24 hours of continuous progress.
- The ratio of the width and length of the flag is 2:3.
- Disrespect to the flag like pointing it downwards, trampling it, or wearing it as part of a dress is a punishable offence.
After all this brainstorming, let's have some fun. Let's look at some ways in which you could celebrate Republic Day in your school or even in your building complex or locality where you live.
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Decorate the school/building compound with streamers, balloons, etc. (use only saffron, white, and green to bring out the essence of the day). Flowers [Marigold for saffron and Tuberose or white Rose for white] and leaves [green] can be used to make a Rangoli. You could put up some pictures or posters of the freedom fighters too. And of course hoist the flag, sing the National Anthem, salute the flag and say 'Jai Hind.'
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Handmade cards can be distributed to teachers/friends to wish them a "Happy Republic Day." Alternatively, you could also make small mementos/broaches (which would resemble the Indian flag or map of India) and distribute.
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Organise the screening of a patriotic movie [e.g. Gandhi, The Legend of Bhagat Singh] either in school or in your locality. You could even organise it at your home and invite your friends and other children of your locality.
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Have an interesting fancy dress party where people will dress up as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu etc.
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Organise quiz contest or drawing competition based on the theme of Republic Day.
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Find an eye witness of the freedom movement who will share his/her experiences with you. If not, have an army or navy officer come over and share some views on this special occasion.
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Organise an exhibition based on the Republic Day theme.
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Each one research on a freedom fighter and enact/narrate a story based on their actions.
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Have a parade similar to the ones that they have during the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
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Get a magazine printed with articles, poems, drawings etc. all with the theme of Republic Day.
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So, go ahead and have a exciting and 'different' Republic Day this year. Happy Republic Day!
... Jai Hind !
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