Shivangi Verma, who grew up in Delhi, remembers going to India Gate to watch the Republic Day parade live. Despite the winter cold, she describes the experience as joyful and memorable. Having travelled abroad, she feels India offers a unique sense of comfort and belonging, marked by a strong feeling of “apna pan”. She says her love for the national flag remains constant.
Parakh Madan
Parakh Madan says Republic Day was one of the most anticipated days of his childhood. It would begin with a flag-hoisting ceremony at school, followed by a march-past parade that he often led as the school’s house captain. Later, his family would gather at home to watch the Republic Day parade on Doordarshan. For him, the day is a reminder that India’s strength lies in its Constitution and its unity in diversity. He points out that India is now the world’s fourth largest economy and a key pillar of the global order, successfully balancing its civilisational roots with a high-tech future.
Megha Sharma
Megha Sharma feels Republic Day has come to be seen by many as just another holiday, but believes it deserves deeper reflection. She says it marks the day India became a sovereign, democratic republic and urges people to think about their responsibilities as citizens, not just their rights. Her childhood memories include waking up early to watch the parade on television, flag hoisting at school, wearing white clothes and practising patriotic songs and dances. Even without fully understanding the Constitution then, she recalls a strong sense of pride and connection to the country beyond textbooks.
Saanand Verma
Saanand Verma says he feels immense pride in how rapidly India is progressing. As a child, he would watch the Republic Day parade on Doordarshan every 26 January and was particularly fascinated by the grand celebrations and the colourful tableaux representing different states. Those moments, he says, revealed how diverse yet united the country is. Today, he sees that same unity reflected in India’s expanding infrastructure, from new flyovers and metro projects to improving roads.
Yesha Harsora
Yesha Harsora describes India as a nation that respects democracy, diversity and unity despite differences. She values the country’s ability to grow while holding on to its core values. Her Republic Day memories include waking up early to watch the parade, singing patriotic songs at school and proudly holding the tricolour. She also recalls full-day celebrations in her society, where children and senior citizens participated in games and activities together. She says she loves India’s cultural diversity, rich history, shared values of respect and tolerance, and the festivals that bring people together.
Gauravv Saxena
Gauravv Saxena views India through a global lens, having spent nearly a decade in Uganda before recently returning to Mumbai. To him, India today feels like a powerhouse that has found its rhythm. He believes the country is no longer just developing, but leading, citing its digital infrastructure and growing global influence. He describes India as a beautiful paradox, deeply rooted in ancient spirituality, such as the peace he experienced at the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, while simultaneously racing towards a high-tech future. As a traveller and food enthusiast, he says this unity in diversity is the soul of his YouTube channel.
Neha Harsora
Neha Harsora says Republic Day was always a special occasion during her school years. Flag hoisting, parades, cultural programmes and singing the national anthem with friends made it a colourful and joyous day. She recalls feeling connected to her community and proud to be Indian. What she loves most about India, she says, is its diversity and spirit of togetherness, where people from different cultures, languages and traditions celebrate as one.