{"id":7752,"date":"2017-06-21T01:35:47","date_gmt":"2017-06-21T07:05:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/?p=7752"},"modified":"2017-06-21T01:35:47","modified_gmt":"2017-06-21T07:05:47","slug":"incredible-india-when-i-almost-shook-hands-with-indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-in-republic-day-parade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asoulwindow.com\/incredible-india-when-i-almost-shook-hands-with-indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-in-republic-day-parade\/","title":{"rendered":"Incredible India: When I almost shook hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Republic Day Parade!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!I have been watching India\u2019s Republic Day parade<\/strong> on TV since childhood. Celebrated every year on 26th<\/sup> January, the Republic Day parade of India is spectacular. What I didn\u2019t know was that watching it live<\/strong> would be a different experience altogether. A better one rather!<\/p>\n

DISCLAIMER: All the photographs I have shared except two group selfies are issued by DPR (Defence PR).\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I attended my first (and India’s 68th) Republic Day parade on 26th<\/sup> January, 2017. It was a cold morning but not as cold as it should have been by New Delhi winter standards. Blame the global warming, I was told, New Delhi used to be very cold and misty on 26th<\/sup> January not so long ago. We reached early to grab our seats. It was easier for us since we had the Press pass. Scores of regular people filled the roads near the Rajpath. As our car maneuvered through tsunami of humanity<\/strong> who were heading for the parade early morning, I couldn\u2019t help but admire the enthusiasm people had<\/strong> for the Republic Day celebrations. Delhi Traffic Police had made special arrangements to ensure smooth traffic.<\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People across the classes filled each and every seat on the two seating enclosures on either side of the road which was transformed into a grand ramp for the parades<\/strong> which would follow shortly. Despite the bifurcation in the seating arrangements (Press\/Diplomats\/Politicians\/Regular People), the Republic Day parade is a big leveller<\/strong>. I realized this few minutes later when all of them cheered in the same tone at the processions which passed the respective seating enclosures.<\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We reached early morning, much before the scheduled program, so that we could grab the best possible seats. We were in the media enclosure<\/strong>. Exactly opposite us were the VIP enclosures of Indian diplomats, politicians and the contingent of the Chief Guest. The Chief Guest at the 68th<\/sup> Republic Day celebrations of India was His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan<\/strong>, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi<\/strong> accompanied by Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces. Some of the members from the UAE contingent<\/strong> sat next to us in the media enclosure.<\/p>\n

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Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was still time for the parades to start. I was overhearing others in the enclosure to while away time. I was amused to see that most of the people were eager to see the very popular Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.<\/strong> As much as Indians were excited to see the parades, they were equally charged up to get a glimpse of Mr. Modi. In India, we have termed his immense popularity as \u2018Modi Wave\u2019<\/strong>. I realized that Modi wave is for real when thousands of Indians started chanting \u2018Modi, Modi\u2019 as soon as a pink turban grabbed all the attention at the VIP enclosure, right opposite us. The brightly colored turban which Mr. Modi wore, made it easy for all to identify and track his movement. After exchanging greetings, the Prime Minister received the President and the chief guest.<\/p>\n

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Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi With erstwhile Indian President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The P.M., president and the chief guest then proceeded to the rostrum to unfurl the National Flag<\/strong>. Every one stood when the band started playing Indian National Anthem Jan Gan Man<\/em><\/strong> and a 21 gun salute<\/strong> is fired. (No. There were no up-nosed pretentious intellectual types who had problem in standing up for the National Anthem. Not even one!) The spectacular Republic Day parades commences right after this. What followed next will forever remain etched in my memory. <\/strong>The magnitude of it all numbed me with joy!
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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is this stupid (in my opinion) debate going on in India about why we should not be a nationalist.<\/strong> I have always taken pride in being an Indian. The parade showcased all that which makes India a great nation and an unmistakable force in not just Asia but world. The parade rises above the sensationalist newspaper headlines<\/strong> and vacuous viral sites click baits<\/strong> and reaffirms strongly what India is actually all about. The thumping, the sound of National Anthem, the synchronized steps, the glimpses of prominent states of India, the music of the bands and the muscle power of the military filled in me a sense of pride<\/strong> which I never felt before. It was refreshing to feel proud of your country and chant Jai Hind along-with thousands of others without any guilt. According to the silly and pretentious intellectual class of India, even feeling patriotic is regressive!<\/p>\n

It was like a flashback of my 10 years of travel<\/strong> in to the heart and soul of 22 states and Union Territories of India. \u00a0It was a reassurance that India is above all the petty politics, orchestrated controversies, inane debates and simplistic generalization. India is not easy to understand<\/strong> even for its inhabitants. It is a complex case study a glimpse of which I enjoyed during the overwhelming parades.<\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WHY I MISSED SHAKING HANDS WITH MR. NARENDRA MODI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Being a travel writer and blogger, I get easy access to celebrities<\/strong>. Those are the perks of my job. However, you will hardly see me taking selfies with celebrities<\/strong>. I don\u2019t even get a high standing next to celebs anymore. That said, the moment I saw the first glimpse of India\u2019s popular Prime Minister Mr. Modi<\/strong>, I turned in to a hyper teenager. I was literally shaking with joy and had real goose bumps! I think the last time that happened was when I saw Amitabh Bachchan and talked to Juhi Chawla many years ago. I joined the crowd and chanted \u2018Modi, Modi\u2019 expecting him to cross the road and shake hands with me. He didn\u2019t. He moved on to complete the Republic Day formalities until\u2026.<\/p>\n

Once the awe inspiring parade got over, the crowd started to leave. Mr. Modi, I assumed had left as well. The pink turban was nowhere to be seen. Expecting a mad rush at the exit gate, I decided to leave too. Just when I was relieving myself in a makeshift loo nearby, I heard a \u2018Modi, Modi\u2019 cry once again.<\/strong> It was too late for me. I had hard earned that 2 minute spot in the loo. Holding myself since winter morning, I had to make justice of the spot I usurped from the hundreds of others in the queue, who had waged a battle with their bladders.<\/strong><\/p>\n

By the time I was out, the wave had plummeted but not the sunshine smile on people\u2019s face. I was heart-broken to know that the exact enclosure where I was seated was chosen by Mr. Modi for a handshake. I had missed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity<\/strong> and hated myself (and my enthusiastic bladder) at that moment. He was there, up, close and personal while I was caged in a dark cubicle some metres away. I resolved in that very moment that I will be back next year<\/strong>, for another heart stopping parade and of course a hand shake.<\/p>\n

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Veterans\u2019 Tableau- Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

THE COLORFUL TABLEAUX AKA JHANKIS OF REPUBLIC DAY, INDIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Everyone\u2019s favourite part, the popular \u2018jhankis\u2019 of Indian Republic Day celebrations display the social, cultural, technological and economic facets of present day India. Not only does it present a glimpse of India\u2019s rich traditions, diversity and culture, it also highlights India\u2019s glorious past while keeping an eye on its future advancements and progress. Apart from the state tableaux, the other Tableaux on display were Khadi, Model Schools of Delhi, Ministry of Finance, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) \u2013 Housing for all, CSIR at 75: Touching lives, Clean India-Green India, Transforming India through Skill Development.<\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Below is a list of state tableaux during the India Republic Day celebrations, 26th<\/sup> January 2017<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

ODISHA-<\/strong> The theme was Dola Jatra. It is a popular festival which signifies the ultimate journey of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna for ultimate union in tradition of Bhakti Cult.<\/p>\n

ARUNACHAL PRADESH-<\/strong> It presented the Yak dance performed by the Monpa tribe during the LOsar Festival (February-March)<\/p>\n

MAHARASHTRA \u2013<\/strong> My favourite tableaux it displayed the mind blowing malla-khamb. A huge statue of noted freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak celebrated his 160th<\/sup> birth anniversary<\/p>\n

MANIPUR-<\/strong> It presented the Lai Haraoba (\u2018Happiness of the Gods)- touted as one of the world\u2019s oldest ritualistic theatres of the world, preserved by Meitiei community of the state.<\/p>\n

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Me and my friends at the Republic Day Parade of India in Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi Left to Right (From Top row) – Ms. T Usha, Me, Shweta Tiwari, Dipanshu Goyal, Swati Jain, Mr Mukesh Kaushik, Mrs. Alka Kaushik.\u00a0 Selfie by: Mr. Mukesh Kaushik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

GUJARAT-<\/strong> It showcased one of my favourite region of India- Kutch. It reflected the local crafts and the colorful lifestyle.<\/p>\n

LAKSHADWEEP-<\/strong> It showed the fragile eco system of the remote Indian island and the water sports activities possible here.<\/p>\n

KARNATAKA-<\/strong> It displayed the traditional ritualistic folk dance of Goravas, the worshippers of Lord Shiva.<\/p>\n

HIMACHAL PRADESH \u2013<\/strong> It focused on Chamba Rumal It is a pahari handkerchief making art with its roots in the 18th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

HARYANA-<\/strong> \u2018Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao\u2019 (Save daughter-Educate Daughter) was the main theme.<\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WEST BENGAL-<\/strong> It showcased \u2018Sharod Utsav\u2019 the autumn festival and Durga Puja. Dhunuchi aarti, dance and songs completed the Bengal experience.<\/p>\n

PUNJAB-<\/strong> Vibrant and energetic \u2018Jago Aaiya\u2019 dance and a display of rural Punjabi lifestyle marked this tableau.<\/p>\n

TAMIL NADU-<\/strong> This tableau presented the Karakattam dance, an ancient dance form where dancers hold \u2018Karakam\u2019 on their heads. It is performed during the Amman temple festivals in the rural part of Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n

GOA \u2013<\/strong> Rich musical and cultural heritage of Goa was presented in this tableau. A peacock shaped Sangodd carried a lady playing guitar and a man playing a ghumat.<\/p>\n

TRIPURA-<\/strong> Not much is known about Tripura to the outside world. This tableau displayed their Reang Tribal dance using a combination of live and sculptural forms. This dance is performed on the occasion of Hojagiri festival<\/p>\n

JAMMU AND KASHMIR-<\/strong>It was one of the most visually appealing tableaux. It displayed the winter sports of Kashmir with a snow clad Gulmarg as its center of attraction.<\/p>\n

ASSAM-<\/strong> The Kamakhya Temple was the main theme of the tableau. Situated in Guwahati, it is one of the most prominent Shaktipeeths of India.<\/p>\n

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Incredible India: The Republic Day Parade of India, Rajpath near India Gate, New Delhi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Below is a chronological flow of events as they unfolded before my eyes post the inaugural showering of flower petals by Helicopters: <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Army parades:<\/strong><\/p>\n