It's Republic Day, not 'Rmament Day

Tomorrow, as every year, India‘s Republic Day parade will move down Kartavya Path. Along with the floats showcasing cultural markers from various states, there is also the show of India’s military might that has become part and parcel of this commemorative day. For a country that has grown in confidence about its self-identity, however, it is strange to find this display of muscle-flexing. For one, it is a Soviet-era flaunting of ‘boys with their toys’ with leaders looking on from their perches on to their country’s versions of Red Squares. For another, unlike a Soviet Victory Day commemorating their country’s victory in World War 2, India’s Republic Day has nothing to do with war, and everything to do with peaceful nation-building. So, at the cost of breaking a long-accepted, respected and even loved tradition of showcasing India’s weaponry and military might, it’s time we consider taking away the ‘gun’ from the ‘gun salute’ on Republic Day.

This is not to make a case against India’s defence capabilities and strengthening them. On the contrary. But to hitch this testosteroned cart with the horse of the birth of the Constitution and its kartavya shapath is odd. For a republic that prides on being run by people’s representatives elected through universal adult franchise, the celebrations appear skewed and officious.

In an age when representative democracies seem fragile, when republics often fail to encapsulate the best of us, it is essential that we celebrate the values that underpin our nation. The Constitution is the embodiment and repository of these values. Republic Day should be about celebrating these values, with equal measures of pride and fun. For a military-strong nation, the guns can be showed off at another place, another time.