We should learn from Americans how to make it a fun party instead – of the people and by the people
When we turned on the TV first thing yesterday morning, we witnessed Prime Minister Modi unfurling the Tricolour from the ageless ramparts of the Red Fort. Right under the lectern from where he addressed the nation sat the usual array of VVIPs. Protocol officers would have taken extra care to ensure that each dignitary would have been assigned a seat befitting their status in government, in defence and diplomatic circles.
The extent of people’s participation in this starchy annual ritual was limited to schoolchildren and “unsung heroes” drawn from the disadvantaged classes. The only nod to novelty was an invite to youth drawn from the cadet corps of 14 countries. This we were told is a first.
The extent of people’s participation in this starchy annual ritual was limited to schoolchildren and “unsung heroes” drawn from the disadvantaged classes. The only nod to novelty was an invite to youth drawn from the cadet corps of 14 countries. This we were told is a first.