26th January, 2010. Home, Nightcliff 3:00pm
It doesn’t happen normally... Yesterday morning when I woke up, I was murmuring a very familiar song - "Kar chale hum fida...” After coming to total consciousness, I realised that the date was 25th January, the day before 26th January – “The Republic Day” of India – the place where I belong ( Such a proud smile comes everytime I say this! ). This day is a very special for every Indian. The day when India has written her own constitute. It was a happy moment for me to realise that the next day is 26th, January. But the surprising element was to remember it suddenly on the same day. In Australia we are to have Public holiday on this day being an Australia day (Kind of Coincidence) - The day when land of this biggest continent was found by Captain James cook in 1788. Anyway, the surprising element made me think... how does a human body perform such task? Is it what we call a body cycle? At certain time or after certain period, human body reacts in a similar fashion when encounters a similar situation that it has withstand earlier or couple of times before. Like we get hungry, or feel sleepy after certain period. Apart from these natural body cycles, I think there is also something called “emotional body cycle”. Our body feels that vibes and emotions on the completion or starting of such cycles.
For every Indian, 26th January has this proud feelings attached to it. We officially remember those who have given their lives to make this country independent. I also used to do the same and I still do. I like this feeling. Today when I am away from my country, it reminds me the time I spent on this day every year. The school days were the best. To take part in dramas, song performances and parade, practicing for them for days at school after school hours or at friend’s place. The bonding and fun part of such practices is marvellous. To reach school early to dress up for your very special event and to feel the blood running faster in your body as make-up and costume takes its place. Excitement fills your heart until you go on the floor. The gathering of all the participants at the refinery stadium where the final ceremony has to take place makes you feel warm in the cold morning. The event start with the national anthem as our flag takes the proud salute of every Indian. It follows with a traditional parade which plays the tune of the song “sare jahan se accha..”on their band. It proceeds with different events from both the schools, Gujarati medium and English medium and we wait for our turn as sun starts burning and sweat drops start coming to our necks. All ends with lots of enthusiasm around 11am and the best part comes after that - The Food packets for the participants which contain 1 banana, potato chips, laddu, 3-4 different types of sweets, lots of chocolates, and balloons... (wow.. some memories are everlasting. I still can visualise it)! To find parents after the event from the front raw and finishing half of the food packet while returning back home. Humm.... those days were just amazing.... same as these days when I am capable of remembering them and writing them down and feelings the same sentiment once again...
Happy republic day guys! :)