This Republic Day, I Survived The Onslaught Of Patriotic Movies Playing On Repeat On TV. It Was Tough, But I Am Fine!

This Republic Day, I Survived The Onslaught Of Patriotic Movies Playing On Repeat On TV. It Was Tough, But I Am Fine!

Happy Republic Day everyone and congrats on being a part one of the world’s oldest “democracies”. I love Republic Day because it is one of two days’ in the year that everyone around you suddenly turns into Bhagat Singh. And let me tell you, these are the same people who abuse the direction our country is going in, the rest of the 363 days. But not me, I am a patriot by heart, and I know that because I don’t do all the sappy things other people do to “celebrate” Republic day.

The last time I actively participated in a Republic Day celebration was in school (that too because it was compulsory to attend *rolls eyes*). I was part of a dance on Vande Matram and let me tell you, as beautiful as that song is, we had more chances of scoring full marks in math than we had at doing justice to it. In simple words, we sucked. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I don’t appreciate our constitution, I really do since without it, it wouldn’t take us even two minutes to descend into complete anarchy. All I am saying is I don’t understand how sitting on your ass and watching Rang De Basanti or Border or any other movie from that genre for that matter can be considered a celebration of you being a good citizen and patriot.

I don’t know if you have noticed, but around every Republic Day, TV channels play patriotic movies on a loop. It is like they have been given a monetary concession to shove the idea of patriotism down our throats and they do it by showing us Kargil War and Uri on repeat. It is the same deal with radio stations too. They play songs like Teri Mitti and Yeh Joh Desh Hai Mera so many times, they turn into earworms. Hold on, maybe that is their strategy and maybe just maybe it is working.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Be Unique With Your Republic Day Outfit Than Going With The Usual Saffron-White-Green

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Can someone please explain to me why do the guys behind these channels think it is only important to celebrate being an Indian on two days in the whole year? Why not play these movies every day? Aren’t we supposed to be patriots every day?

So, this Republic Day, I didn’t do any of those things. Skipped over those movies, slept through the morning parade (which I regret since I love the parade), didn’t switch on the radio and definitely did not dress up in the tricolors of our flag. And guess what guys, I am still super desi and I still love my country. Surprised? I am sure the people down at the radio station are. It turned out to be a very regular day, with me having lunch and a conversation with my family, and then meeting up with a couple of friends later in the evening. And we were all dressed like regular people, not like patriotism on steroids.

The thing is, more than anything being Indian is a feeling. And even though I think we don’t have enough movies that capture this feeling, I don’t think watching the ones that do specifically on Republic Day proves anything.

But hey, that is just my opinion.

https://thehauterfly.com/lifestyle/the-brazilian-president-whose-views-on-women-are-disrespectful-is-the-chief-guest-at-our-republic-day-celebrations-why/

Mitali Shah

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