New Delhi: The pandemic has hit the upcoming Republic Day celebrations as a number of changes have been introduced due to the Covid-19 protocols. This year’s celebrations will see a shorter parade with fewer spectators, and children aged below 15 years will not be allowed. Also, there will be no standing spectators.
We asked readers: Is it wise to hold the Republic Day parade during a pandemic?
Here is what some of them said:
‘Myopic and unwise’
We are all set to celebrate the 72nd Republic Day and a big question looms on its celebration. Republic Day parades are the demonstration of the might of our country and sacrosanct to its celebration, yet I believe we need to draw the line between patriotism and jingoism, especially in the middle of a pandemic. So, toeing the line of traditions seems rather myopic and unwise. Covid strain is a worrisome sign and we need to ensure adequate measures are taken to pull the plug on its spread. Doing away with a parade for one year is the best way to honour the efforts of all frontline workers.
Kabir Ahuja
‘Tone it down, let the show go on’
Is it wise that we are seeing this as just a big parade with a big crowd? Or should we see this for its symbolic significance instead? This is an annual display of our national spirit, which together with those all important words of our PM, is one that generates that ‘josh’ in all of us, which we desperately need today.
Tone it down, prohibit crowds, and let the show go on as it has during many other dark periods in the past — without exception. A small sense of normality in yet another abnormal year would be very welcome.
Vishakh Vadgama, London
‘Hypocritical to organise such a big event’
Absolutely not, simply because Republic Day comes every year, but the pandemic doesn’t. At a time when the government has cancelled the Winter Session of Parliament, it’s totally illogical as well as hypocritical to organise such a big event.
This is supposed to be a time of no “dhilai (laxity)” as the government has advised and, hence, there must be flexibility in decision-making, keeping in mind the risk involved. Even if one person gets infected and God forbid if he/she dies, who would be responsible?
Abhishek Nigam, Kanpur. Twitter: @abhishek1621069
‘R-Day parade should be held, albeit with precautions’
Things are opening up amid the pandemic gradually. Businesses, industries, markets, and many other places have already started functioning. And how can one forget the rallies and roadshows of politicians! The parade on Republic Day should be held, albeit with precautions such as less audience and physical interfacing, proper social distancing and compulsory mask et al.
The pandemic, if some epidemiologists are to be believed, is here to stay for at least a couple of years and we can’t stop our lives.
Harshil Mehta, Ahmedabad. Twitter: @MehHarshil
‘Let the money be saved for treatment of underprivileged’
Another surge now in India would not only be a social tragedy, it will also result in economic hardships of grave proportions. It will be wise, therefore, to cancel the Republic Day parade in its present form to eliminate the risk of large gathering and unnecessary exposure.
On this day, let us pay homage to our martyrs and initiate activities, policies to strengthen the values, ethos and rights as envisaged in our Constitution. Let the money be saved by not holding the parade, and let it be used for treatment and support of the underprivileged, the displaced and the needy at this critical juncture.
Debashiish Das Gupta, Pune. Twitter: @debashiishdg
‘No Parliament, no parade’
When there is no Parliament, there should be no parade as well. The Narendra Modi government has cancelled the Parliament session citing Covid-19. If the government is concerned about Covid, then there is no rationale for holding the Republic Day parade and risking people’s lives, who are involved in the preparations. Also, India is seeing an uptick in the Covid cases for the last two days, and as the virus has time and again proved in multiple countries, never take it for granted, and err on the side of caution.
Vidyuth Chikoti, San Francisco. Twitter: @followvidyuth
‘Govt should look for online R-Day celebration’
It’s futile to conduct an R-Day parade amid the pandemic, especially when bird flu is also at its peak, the Wuhan virus situation is unpredictable with new strains and people are dubious about the vaccine ratification.
Republic Day is the occasion to commemorate those who ventured to make the world’s largest written Constitution. Government should look forward to alternatives like online Republic Day celebration and as patriot citizens, we should keep appreciating our frontline warriors like we did during the lockdown.
Ishan Sundriyal, Bareilly. Twitter: @ishan40792351
‘This year India needs the R-Day parade more than ever’
The Republic Day parade is not only a celebration of India’s pledge for ‘Poorna Swaraj’ and constitutionalism, it is also a celebration of India’s cultural diversity, display of our military strength and a platform for international diplomacy. This year India needs a Republic Day parade more than ever. Not only is it the right occasion to send a strong message to our aggressive neighbours, it is also the right platform for our prime minister to declare ‘Poorna Swaraj’ from increasing communal divide, address concerns of our farmers, discuss pandemic-related information, and send an assuring message against vaccine resistance.
Hope, normalcy, some good news and something to be proud of, is what most Indians are looking for now. This Republic Day is the right time to reopen the economy further and inspire confidence in India’s future. This festival of democracy and unity, if celebrated with all necessary precautions, can prove to be just the right kind of message India needs.
Tanmay Kadian, Gurugram. Twitter: @tanmayk0311
‘Parade team should get vaccine’
Holding the Republic Day parade during the pandemic will turn into a wise decision provided the parade team gets those adequate doses of vaccines. It will be prudent to follow the safety measures of wearing mask and maintain social distancing, and simultaneously people must also get a chance to enjoy this national festival virtually.
The Republic Day parade will be highly motivating for people across and display India’s commitment to its Constitution and thus, reinforcing the democratic values. But it does not mean that one cannot reconsider the decision if for any reason vaccination could not meet its target till 26 January. Wisdom is all about assessing the magnitude of decision. At the same time, we should not forget that India is a republic and we all feel proud while watching our Republic Day parade.
Nanditesh Nilay. Twitter: @nilaynanditedh
‘Make doctors, nurses the chief guests’
The Republic Day festivities should be cancelled after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his visit due to the grave Covid-19 situation in Britain. The Indian government cancelled the Winter Session of Parliament. The Republic Day parade is a time-honoured tradition and a moment of pride for Indians. However, the coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented crisis. We cannot drop our guard and have a large public gathering. We are not out of the woods yet.
Getting crowds to cheer for the parade as usual would be imprudent and reckless. It would also be unfair to the parade participants. The ideal case is to cancel the parade, but if we can’t, we should invite a representative group of doctors or nurses and paramedics and make them the chief guests. Let all of India salute them as we should.
Sandeep Wanchoo, Gurgaon. Twitter: @swanchoo
Also read: Reader View: 2020 a bad year for economy, govt must ensure 2021 is about recovery