Def col being primarily a fauji colony with so many persons staying here from the fauj or having their parents from the services, retains a lot of patriotism. This by no means implies that those without a Defence services background do not have patriotism in them or less patriotism. Persons of military background are very used to seeing parades, ceremonial functions, flag hoisting and celebrations during Independence Day and Republic Day. So they are, from childhood used to them and quite vociferous about such events. They are simply more used to hearing and saying, “JAI HIND”.
Moreover, such patriotism is contagious. If my neighbour has a flag fluttering on his rooftop, I too will proudly fly one from my terrace. At the end of it, all of Defcol as a locality, be it service background people or non-service background people, are definitely hugely patriotic. Events like Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and fervour. In fact, the enthusiasm in Defence Colony is so intense that Independence Day was celebrated six times in separate locations of Defence Colony.
Let me apprise you where all the flag was hoisted on 15 August 2023 and I am only talking about Defence Colony, New Delhi. 1. Lieutenant Puneet Nath Dutt, Ashok Chakra, Park located in D block. For those who are not aware, every year, Martr Puneet’s memorial is conducted on the day of his martyrdom on 20 July. 2. Mahila Park A block. 3. JCO club A block 4. Defcol Club C Block 5. Durga Puja Park. The Chief Guest here was Meenakshi Lekhi, MP. 6. Wall of Honour (Gumbad). This wall has in gilded letters, names of all decorated persons comprising of military and non-military background. The awards can be for Gallantry or for Distinguished Service. Since 2022, on Independence Day, the National Flag has been hoisted at this site.
The Defence Colony Guards were present this year too, to provide a Ceremonial Salute to the Flag. Awards were distributed to some of the guards who had displayed meritorious service. A very appropriate site for such events. As a result, since we had six separate functions in six different areas of the colony, attendance at these places was paltry except the function that was held at the A block JCO’s club. That was an interesting function, well attended with the MLA also being present and he gave us a talk followed by other dignitaries and a very cute and sweet entertainment program given to us by the residents themselves. This was followed by refreshments and light lunch. A good show indeed – well done JCO’s Club.
What I’m coming to is that we in Defence Colony, as a colony should have one ‘dhamakedar’ function to celebrate our Independence Day or Republic Day. On 15 of Aug 1947 India attained independence. Thus, the British flag, the Union Jack was brought down, and the Indian flag was raised or hoisted. From that day, on every 15th of August now totalling 77 number of homes, flags are raised / hoisted.
However, on 26 January 1950, India declared herself a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state with the adoption of the Constitution. On this day the flag is unfurled and does not need to be hoisted as the Indian flag was already flying high since the past two and a half (approximate) years. Tradition has it that on 15 August 1947, after attaining Independence at Midnight, all military officers invited the JCO’s of their units to the Officers Mess for a celebration in the afternoon. This tradition is being followed even today. And on 26 January, on Republic Day, the JCO’s invite the officers to the JCO’s Mess in the afternoon. Also being followed today.
Perhaps it is from here that traditionally in Defcol too, celebrations are done on Independence Day at one club (A Block JCO’s Club) and on Republic Day at the Defcol Club in C Block. It would however be appropriate that the Flag Hoisting / Unfurling Ceremony be conducted at one place. I guess the Wall of Honour, having the names of so many persons from Defcol is most suitable for this. From there the celebrations can go on as planned at the clubs concerned.
I would therefore request all those organizers who do it in the various parks mentioned above and I would also request both the RWA that is Defence Colony, less A block and the A Block RWA to plan a collective one great such celebration rather than filtering away our resources and enthusiasm to 6 six separate areas.
No one of course stops anyone from extending celebrations subsequently at your favourite park or elsewhere. As far as getting the pleasure of hoisting or unfurling the flag, we each can do it in our respective homes. After all, it is HAR GHAR TIRANGA.
Our country got her independence due to several reasons. The freedom fighters were focused and made governance of India impossible for the British. Indian Defence Officers in the Defence Services were promised Independence for their support in the Second World War. The atrocities committed by the British in India on the Indians spread globally and caused embarrassment to the British.
There are more reasons and compulsions that made the British accept our demands for independence. And we must not forget those who have ensured we remain independent post 15 August 1947. Within weeks after our independence Pakistan attacked us. Timely action by the Army and Air Force saved Srinagar from capture and pushed the enemy back.
We have been attacked several times since, by China in 1962, Pakistan in 1965, again a war with them in 1971, serious skirmishes (just short of war) in Kargil and Galwan. The ongoing war against the country by Pakistan by fuelling terrorism in Kashmir. Not to forget the attack on Mumbai by Pakistan on 26 November 2008. The Navy, NSG, Police and others were brought in to beat back the Mumbai attack.
On such National days we must acknowledge our Freedom Fighters, Army. Navy, Airforce, BSF, NSG, Police, CRPF and many such organisations who are responsible in ensuring we remain Independent. ~Jai Hind~
