Republic Day Delhi 26th Jan 2010

The Republic Day of India marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India and the transition of India from a British Dominion to a republic on January 26, 1950.The main Republic Day Parade takes place at the Rajpath, in the national capital New Delhi, where the President views the parade but state capitals also have their own celebrations.
We were invited along to the Rajpath celebration. We were in our seats by 9.30 am and the fog was so dense it was not possible to see across Rajpath.


Then the announcer said:


"While the atmosphere may be a little foggy today,freedom flows freshly through the air".

That statement captured it all.In 2010 Indians come out to celebrate the day their country became a republic and I was among them.Perhaps it is our colonial past, perhaps our justified feelings of achievements in the democratic process but it is moments such as these where I am moved in a way that catches me by surprise. I hear and see the Indian air force flying in formation out of the mist and the thousands of people who have come out to greet them turn their faces to the skies and I feel their pride and share in their joy.


It was a magnificent parade which went off with the kind of military precision which had Anthony saying maybe they need more of the military in their daily life. I smiled and said look at Pakistan- they are never a good idea.


No cameras, no phones, no bags – nothing in fact- security was very tight and very efficient which means I have no pictures to share with you but want to describe the scenes that stayed with me.


The immense, and I mean immense tanks and warheads. Impressive and daunting for India’s neighbours but interestingly a measured amount of them on display.The biggest one was called Agni, like an aunt of mine.


The camel cavalry – if you can call camels that – splendidly decorated with neck sparklers and tassles. They were followed by the even more impressive Camel Band. Try playing the trumpet on top of a swaying camel.


The army contingents were all beautifully attired and in perfect synch.


The female cadets who seemed to be wearing mini kilts and berets.Fetching.


The mad motorcyclists, standing up on a machine that seemed to travel on its own, closely followed by one where the driver was facing backwards reading a newspaper !

From the cultural pagents, the two I liked best were Maharashtra's float of the Debbewala – literally meaning a person with a box. This is a highly specialized service that seems to have flourished in Mumbai and it delivers thousands of lunches to thousands of businessmen around the city, Approximately 200,000 lunch boxes are sent out, delivered and collected every day. Now that is enterprise for you.

The other one which took my fancy was the float of Indian music instruments. Having just come from Jaipur the number of specialized instruments which are still in use is truly impressive.
More on the presidents tea party tomorrow.