Feeling Of Camaraderie And Sense Of Belonging Within The Sector
Our Sector never had much luck with Republic Day celebrations. Freezing winds, the irresistible attraction of the Parade, COVID restrictions, and just plain public apathy left the unfurling of the flag a bit of a formality: attended by a couple of die-hard nationalistic residents, the EC Members, and a rag-tag bunch of kiddos, pushed out by socially aware parents.
In large part due to a growing nationalistic fervour but in no small part to the recently aroused feeling of camaraderie and sense of belonging within the Sector, the day proved to be an unqualified success. To be quite honest, the removal of the earlier necessity to perform the activity early in the morning, proved quite the game changer. Droves of men, women and children tumbled out in the warm afternoon sunshine to the central park, to witness the unfurling and wish their neighbours on the historic event.
In keeping with the theme of the year -”Empowerment of Women”, it was decided that the ceremony be performed by a lady. That precious honour was awarded to yours truly. An unrecorded privilege, unfortunately, as our designated photographer gave precedence to saluting the flag over his appointed duty!
As Colonel Vikram started his thank you speech, my neighbour, Tina’s son, Arjun tugged shyly at my sleeve and whispered that he and his friend, Adhya, would like to sing a Vandematarm. What followed was a soulful, albeit slightly off-key modern rendition of the classic. Arjuns stronger voice and Adhya’s dulcet tones were warmly applauded by the fathering. Then, drawing courage from their performance, and encouraged by her landlady Neetu, young Shruti Kumari sang “Hum Bharat ke swabhimaan hain…” Adhya now decided on a solo and gave a truly sweet rendering of the classic Vandematarm. No public event is complete without patriarch Misraji’s poems, and he kindly obliged with “Saraswati Vandana”. Age and experience were followed by 3-year-old cuteness princess Raaina Chattwal, who executed a smart salute as she gave her Jai Hind. The surprise package of the afternoon was our security in charge EC Member, Deepak Sharma. He had the crowd clapping in tune, and joining in the chorus as he sang “taakat vatan ki humse hai”.
What used to be a dry formality was transformed into a spontaneous and joyous celebration of one of the most important days in an Indian’s life. Truly a coming age for the Sector. Thank you, people, for making it a really special occasion!
by Anita Singh (9810027974)
