Had hoisted my personal flag, made in khadar, at our balcony on the dot at 0800 hrs. And by 1030 hrs, I was in front of my television set to watch the Republic Day Parade at New Delhi. The stands on either sides of the 'Kartavya Path' were packed with people.
The first egg must have hit the faces of the media people/houses who'd smirkingly said that Modi is packing the spectators' stands with street vendors, the labourers working in the 'central vista project' and the rag tag because there were no spectators! Why don't you guys stop peddling lies, for heavens' sake? It'll do a lot of good for your health!
The Prime Minister laying the ceremonial wreath at the National War Memorial was solemn yet elegant. The convergence of his motorcade and the President's arrival at the ceremonial dais was well synchronised, with clock like precision. The expressions on the face of the Egyptian President's - the chief guest for the event - said it, all through the parade as to how much he enjoyed the event.
The Egyptian contingent leading the parade was very appropriate and each one of them got sucked into the prevalent mood of the environment, in that, their marching was synchronous, full of 'josh' with full throated war cries as they marched past the saluting dais.
The marching contingents, the tableaux that followed were elegant, as usual.
The cultural treat that was provided was gladdening to the eyes.
What I shall carry in my mind about this year's Republic Day Parade is the strength of women power of the country that was projected all through. Our President standing up and receiving salutes throughout the event, women commanding and seconding contingents and a full quarter hour of music and dance 'on Naari Shakthi' by an elegant team of young, beautiful women and handsome young men from all parts of the country, pressed home the message.
That image shall ever remain etched in my mind!
Tailpiece.
Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.
A nice holiday it was.
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