Kailash Dham has been celebrating Republic Day with high spirits and patriotism; the especial thing about the celebration is that unfurling of the flag is done by a senior resident, which speaks of the organizers’ respect for the seniors of the society. The cultural performances are presented by the children, who start rehearsing few days earlier for this day. The active participation of the seniors and the children brings out an incredible combination, watched by their family members. Families staying around the flag hoisting area participate from their balconies.
On 26 January this year, the unfurling of the flag was done by Joginder Singh Bakshi. He was the chief guest. Kailash Dham secretary, Rahul Agnihotri, received the chief guest and honoured him by presenting a bouquet of flowers. The ceremonial flag ceremony was followed by singing of National Anthem. After the formal Republic Day ceremonies, children of Kailash Dham presented an impressive cultural programme.
The children who participated in the dances and songs, based on patriotic themes and in tiranga colours, were – Pratishtha Gautam, Devanshi Khanna, Anya, Ananya, Kashika Khanna, Charu Shyam Sukh, Rachit Shyam Sukh, Aarav Modi and Arshia Garg.
A mesmerizing song was presented by Neeta.
As a regular resident who attends such occasions to salute the flag each year, as she says, Dr Pratibha Jain was requested by the organizers to address the children and audience. She spoke on the rich Indian tradition and summed up by a poem she had written for that day. This year 26 January was special; 2 festivals – Republic Day and Saraswati Puja/Basant Panchmi – fell on the same day. Following poem she recited for the audience:
‘गणतंत्र दिवस’ संग ‘बसन्त पंचमी’
आज वसंत ने रची रंगोली अर्चना में
तिरंगे की…
अनंग भी है शरणागत सरस्वती चरणों में
प्रिय! न करो कोई बात
आज भारत माँ ने किया है बासंती श्रंगार…
पहना है हिम मस्तक पर चूड़ामणि तिरंगे का
नन्हें नन्हें रखवाले हम भी वीर सिपाही
आओ करें जय घोष, जय हिंद! जय भारती !!!
वंदे मातरम् !!! शुभ हो गणतंत्र दिवस आप सबको.
by Monica Verma (Block 13, Flat no. 610, Kailash Dham)
