India Republic Day

[Sriram]

Hi Everyone,

Today (January 26th) is the day India became a republic in 1950. It is celebrated with parades and cultural programs in New Delhi and also in all state capitals.

I just attended a small flag hoisting ceremony and cultural program in my apartment block. We have a buffet lunch later.

In New Delhi there is a grand Republic Day Parade and ceremony attended by the President of India, Prime Minister and other dignitaries. Every year one head of state or Govt. from some country is invited as a guest. This year it is the crown prince of UAE. Last year it was Hollande and earlier it was Obama. Queen Elizabeth II was the guest in 1961.

The parade is an elaborate affair with military and cultural tableaux, watched by thousands in Delhi and by the whole country on TV. 

I don't have a video of the parade yet....but here are some pictures from CNN of places to see in India.

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/25/travel/india-beautiful-places/index.html

For information of those who may be interested.

Cheers.

Sriram

[Harrowby Hall]

Enjoy your day, Sriram.

[Aruntraveller]

I was in Delhi in 1986(yes that long ago) for Republic Day.

It was a wonderful day of parades and fun. Petals scattered from the skies.

Very happy memories of that day.

[Rhiannon]

I hope you and your community have a terrific day, Sriram.

[Sriram]

Thanks a lot  HH, Trent (Nice to know that you have actually witnessed the parade!) and Rhinnon. 

I am off with family to a movie now. Bollywood of course.

[Nearly Sane]

Have a great day, Sriram. (if Trump is the guest of honour, will he think the marigolds are coloured especially for his skin tone?)

[Sriram]

Have a great day, Sriram. (if Trump is the guest of honour, will he think the marigolds are coloured especially for his skin tone?)

Thanks NS.  Maybe Trump will be the guest of honor some time. I have no idea what he will think though.

[Nearly Sane]

Thanks NS.  Maybe Trump will be the guest of honor some time. I have no idea what he will think though.

and on that we can agree!

[Udayana]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/trump-tells-modi-india-a-true-friend-and-partner-invites-pm-to-us-later-this-year/story-U1YKhwlupATyyv3G35eaUJ.html

Trump seems to think India will be his "new best friend". Nothing to do with his Indian origin backers in the USA of-course.

[Sriram]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/trump-tells-modi-india-a-true-friend-and-partner-invites-pm-to-us-later-this-year/story-U1YKhwlupATyyv3G35eaUJ.html

Trump seems to think India will be his "new best friend". Nothing to do with his Indian origin backers in the USA of-course.

That's good.

However, India has always (from the Nehru days) had a non aligned policy and tried to be equidistant from the US and the USSR.  Many a times, the USSR has helped and supported India much against the wishes of the US.  And the US has been very cozy with Pakistan and quite an unreliable ally.

Now...since Trump and Putin are getting cozy...maybe the bipolar stand will change.

[Udayana]

Well .. I don't think the USA will be any more reliable under Trump, as he, essentially, goes with whatever appears to be to his immediate personal benefit.

But, we all need to understand the large shifts in trade and other alliances that could be taking place and come up with actions and deals that will keep the planet as clean and fair as possible despite a regressive US admin.