Time to teach kids what it means to live in a republic country

Kid 1: It is a holiday tomorrow!

Kid 2: No studies tomorrow!

Kid 3: We are going to get candy and samosas!

Kid 4: We can wear color dress to school!

Every year in January, children get overexcited at the prospect of celebrating Republic Day. The toddlers are usually given a holiday and the older students are given snacks after they perform their traditional drill.

But, is that it? Is Republic Day nothing but a holiday? Why do we celebrate Republic Day? What does it mean to be a republic? Do our children know?

We asked a few kids and this is what they said

Why do we celebrate Republic Day?

Kid 1: We got freedom!

Kid 2: Erm. .

Kid 3: It is a holiday.

Kid 4: I don’t know.

This year, we are going to celebrate our 70^th Republic Day. We think (and we are sure you agree with us) that it is high time our children learned what the word “republic” means and what it means to be a citizen of a republic country.

What does Republic mean?

Republic translates to an entity of the public. This means that in a republic country, the people have the power to choose the government.

Why is 26^th January celebrated as the Republic Day?

It was on this day in the year 1950 that The Constitution of India officially came into force. This is why, even though India was declared independent on 15^th August 1947, 26^th January is celebrated as the Republic Day.

Also, it was on the same date that the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj or complete independence from the shackles of the British rule. It holds immense significance in the bloodied struggle of freedom. To immortalize the date, the constitution was signed on this day.

What can our children learn from Republic Day?

Our children are our country’s tomorrow. They are going to grow up to decide the future of our beloved nation. They need to understand the gravity of this as early as possible. To be able to decide who takes over the country is a huge power, which can make or break us as a nation.

Well-informed children grow up to be responsible adults who cast their vote based on facts and reasoning. They exercise their power and ensure that the right candidate takes the reins. Such freedom is rare.

So, this Republic Day, while the kids get excited about hoisting the flag and participating in drills, let’s talk to them about its significance and how they can grow up to be conscientious citizens of India.

Jai Hind!