New Delhi: The country is celebrating its 74th Republic Day and every year, people on this day witness the tradition and culture of the country in the different tableaux of the states and also the spectacular view of airshows by the Indian army, Navy, and the Air Force at Kartavaya Path. On this special occasion, TV actors talked about the day, its relevance and also recall their childhood memories related to the celebration of Republic Day.
Ankit Gupta who will be seen essaying the role of Jahaan in ‘Junooniyatt’ said, "I think Republic Day can be a great launchpad for something consequential one would like to do for the country. It could be something as simple as telling a child the relevance of this day or organizing a cleanliness drive. This day takes me back to my childhood. We never treated this day like a holiday. We would wait for the flag hoisting and come back home to watch patriotic movies. I wish all the citizens of India, my love, as they work to make the nation proud.”
Richa Rathore, who essays the role of Ghazal in 'Rabb Se Hai Dua', shared, "Republic Day has always been special for me and it brings back a lot of memories. I have always been fond of flag hoistings and even now, I visit my society's celebration on Republic Day when I am at home. There are various memories of my school's Republic Day celebrations, be it participating in a dance or skit."
"Also, after the function, my friends and I would be so excited about getting sweets from the teacher. I wish all of us to continue to celebrate this historic day with utmost pride and zeal," she added.
Actress Rashami Desai recalled celebrating Republic Day in school: "I can never forget our school days' Republic Day celebration. We, friends, would wear Indian traditional dresses and participate in our building's flag-hoisting ceremony. I would also perform at certain times on this day. This year I will be around in my locality attending the celebration and then followed by a special treat."
Neha Rana who will be seen essaying the role of Elahi in ‘Junooniyatt’ said, "I am proud of our country's constitution that commands respect for being comprehensive. I feel proud to be from a country that was blessed with great leaders who put so much forethought into building the nation as we know it now. I have great memories of spending this day watching patriotic movies at home with my family as a kid.”
Samridhi Shukla essaying the role of Saavi Nityam in ‘Saavi Ki Savaari' said, "The flag-hoisting that used to happen in our society is the most precious childhood memory I have of Republic Day. I recall how much we enjoyed waiting under the flag as petals fell on us so we could try to catch them in our palms. We learned about the significance of this day much later. This Republic Day, I intend to continue the tradition of spending time with my family and watching the parade. Happy Republic Day to all of India's citizens!"
Fahmaan Khan essaying the role of Ravi in 'Dharam Patnii' said, "Republic Day takes me back to the parade that we used to have in school. It makes me very happy and nostalgic to see kids rush to school to raise the flag, sing patriotic songs, and watch patriotic films. The pride and enthusiasm that I see in the kids make me very hopeful about the future of our nation. I’m grateful to be living in a country that was built on the work of legislators who ensured that every citizen feels a sense of belonging. Here’s hoping that we respect our motherland and get on our way to making our people proud."
Aurra Bhatnagar essaying the role of Durga in 'Durga Aur Charu' shared, "On Republic Day, I look forward to going to school and participating in fun activities like singing and dancing to patriotic songs. All of us in school eagerly wait for flag hoisting and buying trinkets on the way home. I like reading about the great leaders who have shaped our nation on this day.”
TV actress Aditi Dev Sharma reminisced about celebrating the festival during her school days.
She shared: "I have many sweet memories related to this day. When I was young I would look forward to watching the colourful parades and singing patriotic songs, it used to fill my heart with so much pride. And I would go on a patriotic film-watching spree with my family. We would watch 'Border', 'Soldier', 'Lakshya', 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani', and many more. I really miss school time on Republic day as we used to do a parade wearing our house uniform, and perform folk dances of different states under the theme of 'Unity in Diversity' and those laddoos still make my mouth water. Republic Day brings those cherished childhood memories for me."
(With inputs from IANS)