The dream of becoming an independent republic turned into reality on 26th January, 1950 for India 70 years ago. Today our nation celebrates the Republic day with pride and dignity paying respect to the soldiers on this day who have laid down their lives for our cherished citizens to breathe with peace on our soil.
Each year, 26th January is a day on which every Indian heart fills up with patriotic fervour and immense love for motherland. There are many significant memories as it was this day when the Indian Tricolour was first unfurled in January, 1930 at Lahore, by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and the declaration of an independent Indian National Congress was made. 26th January, 1950 was the day when the Indian republic and its constitution came into force. It was this day in history in 1965 when Hindi was declared as the official language of India.
Does just celebrating this day on a grand scale mark the end of the day? Let’s recharge that patriotic feeling of safeguarding our country’s interests on this day - be it economic, social, cultural or environmental for a nation equipped with health, success and happiness.
India is shackled in the growing menace of air pollution to the extent that it dulls the true spirit of independence. So what better day than the Republic Day to begin initiatives and implement the drive towards a “Clean Air” environment. This becomes an individual responsibility rather than resting only on the government’s shoulders. Our present is marred with air pollution that affects us, our future generation and our elders with breathing issues. So then what would the future be like? It sends a shiver down your spine at the very thought of it. So lets shrug that shiver away and get to work.