Teach your children the significance of Republic Day!
Ages: 10 & up
As India inches towards celebrating it’s 72nd Republic Day, it is important to teach your children a few facts about this day rather than treating it as a normal government holiday.
Few important points:
Teach them the difference between Independence Day and Republic Day
Kids often get confused between Independence Day and Republic Day, so a good place to start would be to tell them the difference between the two most historic days in Indian history. This is how you can break it down - While India gained Independence from the British Empire on 15th August 1947, Republic Day is celebrated in India on 26th January as, on this day, the constitution of India was framed. The constitution, which was adopted on 26 November 1949, came into effect on 26 January 1950. Hence, we celebrate this day as the Republic Day.
Explain the meaning of the term ‘Republic’ It is essential that you make your kids understand what the term ‘republic’ actually means. A republic is a form of government where the power is held by the representatives elected by the people, instead of a king or a ruler. The word ‘republic’ essentially means ‘public matter/thing’. The representatives chosen by the citizens are responsible for decision-making. What is a constitution? Simply put, a constitution is actually a set of basic principles and laws of a nation, which are used to guide how a country functions. India’s constitution is the longest written constitution including 448 articles. The constitution of our country was written by Dr B. R. Ambedkar. How is Republic Day celebrated? A grand parade is organized in New Delhi at the Rajpath, where armed forces showcase their competency. The national flag is hoisted by the President of India at the Red Fort and a lot of cultural programmes are organized to showcase the rich, cultural heritage of all the 29 states of our country.
Brave soldiers and civilians are awarded and given medals of bravery. One of the most interesting aspects of the whole celebration is the “flypast” by the Indian Air Force, which is a ceremonial flight by the fighter planes leaving a trail of smoke of the colours that constitute the Indian flag.
How to celebrate Republic Day with your kids?
To celebrate this day and instil pride for the country in their children, you should spend some quality time together with their kids to watch the live telecast of the parade on Television.
For younger kids, make them listen to the National anthem and have them dance and sing along to it.
Cook tri-coloured foods such as rice, pastas. Idlis etc to make them remember the colours of the national flag.
Remember to use these important historic days as a way to inculcate knowledge in your children and doing so in a fun manner, makes it all the more interesting for them!
