Why Republic Day makes me sad.....

Ah well.....Here comes the day on which India was declared a Republic. A day (just like Independence Day) on which we Indians feel a sense of pride. The roads bustle with urchins striving to make a living out of selling miniatureIndian flags. And what's worse......People buy them. Stick them on the dashboard of their car. Hey! It's fashionable to be patriotic. So, Jai Hind! Sare Jahan Se Accha! Jana Gana Mana! And all that jazz.

But this is hardly irksome as compared to the political sights and sounds one hears in every city, on every road, by every known and unknown political party. All the love and passion for the country brims and overflows only on 26th January and 15th August. Tears flow freely, emotions are on a high, our martyrs are remembered, the famous "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon" is played. All political propaganda.

Every aspect of the media is glaring with the Tricolour, playing then National Song and Anthem. Music artistes release patriotic songs. Movie and TV stars dance on the stage waving the Flag. Patriotism sells. It's just another way of making money.

I'm an Army Officer's daughter. I have grown up with the values to respect our nation. Till date, when the National Anthem is played on TV or Radio or the movie halls, I stand up in attention. I have been laughed at by my friends for this, I have been told "It's stupid!" But no. I refuse to believe them. My patriotism is not misplaced and neither is it subjective. My respect for my country stands. No, I do not propagate 'Swadeshi', neither am I blind to the pitfalls and drawbacks, but that in no way undermines the deep sense of love I feel for my great nation.

The people who are reminded of the "Golden Bird" only on Republic Day and Independence Day, make me sad. Why aren't they reminded of the martyrs on any ordinary day? Why must schools have inspiring speeches only on these two occasions? Why must political parties find their tears flowing only on these days? Why must they profess their love for Bharat Mata only on these days? Why must patriotic songs blare on roadside loudspeakers only on these days? Why not try and infuse this love for India everyday? Is it because on these days, patriotism sells? And on other days no one bothers? Why must all the media play the inspiring National Anthem only on these days? Why not play it once everyday?

All these happenings and all these questions make me sad.