Fida Firdous
National festivals are auspicious days to be celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm. They need to be respected and celebrated with full glamour and excitement. They are like holy days; be it the national day of any country of the world. These days have great significance in history of a country. They are observed to recall, recognize and understand the immense scarifies made by people in building and cementing the nation enabling us to enjoy the life with full of happiness and peace.
Every year our country celebrates two National Festivals of great importance. One marks the hard earned Independence Day from the British colonial rule and the second to celebrate the creation of a republic, by drafting of our constitution on January 26th, 1950. Historically, the two events arrived only after scarifies were made by section of our society irrespective of the cast,religion and color. The brotherhood, integrity and nationalism guided by the visionary leadership ended the 200 year old British rule.
After Independence, it was an important step to make a constitution for the country. A constituent assembly was thus appointed to design the Constitution of India. After two years, eleven months, and eighteen days the constitution was finally made. On the 26th of January, 1950, the Constitution was eventually adopted and implemented in the country. The same day is referred to as Republic Day.
As a countryman, it is not a holiday but holy day to remember; to send blessing and prayers to all great heroes on which commandment and commendable work they’ve done for the nation. It’s because of them that we are one of the largest democracies of the world today.
Unlike other states, Kashmir has been observing National Days with a shutdown since 1990s, after the armed struggle began against the Indian authorities following a series of protests and attacks in the region.
To recall my experience of a fifteen years old teen,invited by the Army for republic day celebrations. Like others, I too participated in the event. Here, I came to know about the other things mentioned before. On reaching back home, I had to know a contrary tale. Finding myself in the middle of the sea, I come to know that people in Kashmir are mis-guided and misled by none other than their own people.
Honestly, Kashmiryat was spoiled by saiyasat. Factually, people of Kashmir where ideologically drove to the wrong path. Political victimization made people of Kashmir isolated and deprived. People of Kashmir who are known by their gently peace living and hospitable character are made prove to violence.
The leaders in separatism where the heroes of some political parties. In fact, some of the MLA’s have never host Indian flag during their regime. I have not witnessed any of the regional political leaders talking nationalism? For the reason, India failed to portray nationalism in Kashmir. If terms like nationalism, celebration of republic day stands somewhere in Kashmir, it has to be credited to the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Unfortunately, we have grown up under the shadow of violence, killing, volatility, anxiety, indignity, humiliation, suffering, fraught. Have seen political people to flame the fire of violence for their wide interests. Some terrible violent incident reminds me the patience of army and police. How they were attacked by the violent mob with stones and their ultimate resistance.
Somehow, somewhere leadership at centre bridled over unnecessary violence in Kashmir after abrogation. But, releasing the corrupted politicians after arrest has put a question mark.
However the present LG needs applauds for conveying massage of nationalism and promoting peace and prosperity in JKUT. Trying his best, he is passing a good massage of nationalism. During his period the national flag was hosted everywhere in Kashmir after 1990.
The question of nationalism is still in abeyance until and unless India will not win the hearts and minds of Kashmiri people, the easiest way forward is to identify the likeminded people and give them a chance to promote peace and harmony in Kashmir.
Fidafirdous8@gmail.com
