A Proud Republic Day

I cannot claim to be a true patriot, not while working in an MNC and wearing non-khadi. But I've believed that I'm a bit more patriotic than most. The idea of seeing the Republic Day Parade Live in Action had always been there. Since childhood, we have been seeing the parade on TV. With my father in the Indian Army, the pride factor had been instilled since birth.
So finally in 2010, the chance came when I would be fulfilling this long term desire of mine. Vihans had taken care of the passes. We had a single pass in the name of Mr. Hooda (Not Bhupinder Singh, you oaf) and since I could not be considered as a Mr. Hooda, my roommate Sunny easily could. We were told that 2/3 persons can gain entry on one pass.
The day started off as scary with dense fog as Sunny and I set off at 6 AM in the morning from our home. To our reliefs it cleared out as soon as we crossed the Gurgaon border. It seems, Gurgaon is contributing more towards global warming than the capital. Our pass was kept at Rohan's place in Tilak Marg. Vihans would be meeting us there only. But Tilak Marg lies on the parade route and when we neared it, we were not allowed to drive in, no matter how much we requested. We started to worry if the whole day is going to be a waste. We parked our vehicle at Pragati Maidan Gate 6 and walked in. The place was filled with policemen and we were made to switch off our mobiles.
These roads did not seem so long on normal days, but on that day we were on foot and the walk to every circle was exhausting. Still, our patriotism keept us going. We reached Rohan's place, collected the pass and started to walk towards the India Gate circle. Security was high. Policemen were present everywhere. We left our wallets and IDs with Vihans and went in.
Our pass was for Gate 25. It was a long walk from Purana Quila road to Maan Singh road. The path had seemed so short while riding on motorcycles. Enroute, we saw the general entry line that extended for kilometers. We were feeling quite thankful for the pass in our hands. When we finally reached Gate #25, there was another security check. To our utter disappointment, only one person could be allowed inside. Sunny could pass for Mr. Hooda, but I could not. Again, numerous requests, but all were denied. They said that even if they allowed me to enter, another security check further on would get me back out of the gates. It was futile.
With heavy hearts, Sunny and I made our way back along the long trek to Rohan's place. We were so close, yet so far. I had a leg brace on my knee due to a recent operation and had yet made the long walk to the entry. Turning back was so much more painful. Vihans came out to meet us and was saddened by the circumstances. But this guy never backs up. He called up Hooda if an additional pass could be arranged. It turned out that there was one but in the name of Mr. Kumar. So, I was still out of the picture.
By now, Rohan had woken up. He is another brilliant organiser. He invited us into his home for tea and aloo parathas. We started to watch the parade going on through television. It seemed this was going to be the closest I would ever come to watch it. But Rohan had different ideas. We watched the television with all the Artillery, Regiments passing by in pride, till the tableaus came on. Then suddenly, Rohan asked us to get ready. He took us out to Tilak Marg. This is the route the parade takes after it exits Rajpath and makes it way towards Red Fort.
Within a short while we could see the soldiers parading in full glory right before our eyes. We couldn't have seen it closer had we been seated at Rajpath. When the Delhi Police parade passed, they saluted. All the policemen in their troop were more than 6ft high and in perfect health.
And then came the sight that the TV cameras don't show. The whole parade stopped. The nearby policemen took out refreshments as the soldiers took it easy and relaxed. When the refreshments were over, the unwinding began. The bands of some of the troops started playing dance songs. Then slowly, the whole troop began to dance right there on the road. For security reasons, I would not mention the name of the Regiments. (I can be shot, Man) It was heartening to see them unwind as these soldiers are in perfect discipline since 3 or 4 in the morning. These are the people that are awake and alert while we sleep peacefully in our homes. The dance went on for 15 mins. Then, as soon as it had begun, the bands started to play the march past rhythm and everybody was in line within seconds. From full alert to sheer enthusiasm and back to full alert. My respect for these soldiers grew manifold.
The parade was followed by tableaus, where the people wave and cheer for all of them. Our Vihans, being his naughty self, even threw flying kisses at the girls and also received response.
The day started as a disappointment and then turned so very merry. All credited to Rohan and Vihans. Much thanks to you two, brothers. I'm now thinking of making this an annual affair.

Jai HIND !!!!