We tend to forget that the republic is the power of the people: Parvathy Thiruvothu

Parvathy Thiruvothu revisits her Republic Day memories from back in school, makes a strong case for spotlighting women in politics whose stories remain untold, and shares her take on patriotism through the lens of cinema...

‘WE NEED TO REFRESH OUR MEMORIES ON THE POWER OF INDIVIDUALITY’“The republic is the power of the people. We tend to forget that and get into the space of being brainwashed into mob-like mentality. We need to refresh our memories that there existed individuals who knew the power of their own individuality. They knew, ‘What I bring to the table is as important as the other person’s, and we might be able to find a solution together.’ We seem to be losing that massively.”

‘I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WATCHING THE REPUBLIC DAY PARADE ON TV WITH FAMILY’“I studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya, which was right in the middle of a huge army cantonment area in Trivandrum. We could see parade rehearsals happening days prior to Republic Day. The festivities and parades had a very patriotic mood, which would set in January 19 or 20. I remember thoroughly enjoying watching the Republic Day parade on TV with my family. I was unfortunately not part of scouts and guides long enough to be a part of parades. But I’ve always been a big fan of watching it and cheering on.”

‘QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR HISTORY AND OUR REPUBLIC WERE WELCOME AT SCHOOL ’“My biggest excitement during my school days was signing up for elocutions, debates and speeches around Republic Day. Questions about our history and how our republic was formed were also welcome at school. My biggest strength in elocution was talking about women who were part of forming our republic and what they brought to the table. I remember picking up topics or debate sides based on how I could read more about what their journey was. The images from the time we gained independence, where you would see all of the people, including women, sitting on the same table, were a massive inspiration for me. I never thought at that point that I’d turn out to be in a space where I’d be speaking up for women to have more representation at my workplace.”

“There are also women who have been the so-called better halves of male politicians whose ideas and inputs have never found a place in history. I wish somebody would deep dive and make a historical movie about them. It’s important to make such projects for representation and not to have a linear approach. Things don’t happen in black and white. We are here because it is a collective and not because one person decided to lead.”

‘I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE RIGHTS BUT ALSO DUTIES AS A CITIZEN’“I remember asking my teacher about rights, and her asking, ‘Have you thought enough about what your duties are when you speak about your rights?’ That has stuck with me ever since. Even as an adult, I understand I have rights and also duties as a citizen.”

‘PATRIOTISM HASN’T BEEN FULLY EXPLORED ON SCREEN’“Celebrating Republic Day isn’t just about songs, poems, or speeches. It’s a moment to reflect: ‘Do I understand my power as a citizen? How am I contributing? Are we holding elected governments accountable? Are we shaping our future?’ That reflective spirit is at risk. Making patriotic films can bring it back. Patriotism hasn’t been fully explored on screen, and many stories are still waiting to be told.”
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