A day in the life of LIFE

In 10 minutes from now, the largest democracy on the planet will celebrate its existence as a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic. And being in the Rajdhani gives you the air of royalty even as you see the semblance of this historic day in the Indian context.

Well, the 26th of January is important to most Indians - especially when it falls on a friday or a monday. The two most important days that make a quick vacation possible.With choices ranging from Shimla to Jaipur, fellow Indians are making the most of the getaway. I saw quite a few vacant chairs in office on friday last only to learn that the holiday planning had been perfect.

For others, it is a day when "dhandha thoda mandha hai" since people wake up at noon, thus jeopardizing the "rosy roti" of the morning hawkers.

While many others are put off by the traffic advisories that prevent them from smooth cross border movement into Noida, Gudgaawaan and Faridabad, there are some who complain that too much of congestion has lead to their day getting wasted.

I overheard a few school kids discussing about their all important class match owing to the "holiday" tomorrow.

The Times reports that jobless teenagers living on the streets dread 26th January since they get beaten up by the police in the name of security.

My father advises me on phone to refrain from venturing out into the streets tomorrow since it might not be "safe".

A country of a billion people checks, rechecks and reassures itself that after all the elaborate security arrangements, it is safe enough to "celebrate" the red letter day at the Red fort - painting the picture of a painful ordeal for many involved in otherwise what should an expression of self reliance.

Well, if you are reading this post and donot fall/relate into any of the aforementioned categories, chances are that you are a "neta" who will be attending the parade tomorrow.

This is the county of the billion Indians (myself included) who swear by the opening lines of the Indian Constitution - " We the People...." and immediately move on to the chai paani kept at the corner of the stadium.

The time has come to move ahead from just the 3 opening words - we need an attitudinal change to change ourselves and influence change in others.

It is only then, that "We the people" will eventually evolve into what we are truly capable of. Let Me stop talking and Let Us start acting.

Proud to be Indian. Happy Republic Day. Let's make it meaningful. Jai Hind.