Despite it being a foggy morning, the members turned up with enthusiasm for the Republic Day celebrations last Saturday. The day also marked the auspicious festival of Basant Panchami. After reciting the National Anthem, the members wrote slogans on India. Everyone shared his or her most memorable Republic Day celebration. While a retired bureaucrat recollected with pride how he led the Republic Day parade as a Commissioner, another gentleman remembered leading the parade at a training institute. A lady member recalled leading the women’s NCC cadets’ parade at Rajpath, while another commented that she had received a bravery award for saving precious lives at SAIL. For some it was a recollection of their childhood/college days, of watching the Parade from up close. Members also shared how it is always a sombre moment when the families of martyrs receive the highest gallantry awards with such composure and pride. Everyone admitted that the celebrations and the participation in the Republic Day function always fills them with pride, love and respect for the country. A poetess summarised the feelings with her beautiful patriotic poems. Finally, there was a very interesting quiz, titled ‘Saddi Dilli’, conducted by renowned quizmaster Partha Basu.
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