It's 5 past midnight. I am lying at my bed, but am not able to sleep. I can hear the sound of crackers all around, people wishing each other, cavalcades on every road with Indian flags........what is this all about? People say this is 5th anniversary of India becoming republic, they're proud that we've our own constitution now after a great effort. They say we'll teach the world how the largest democracy works even in a country known for diversity. They say all this, and they've some pride in saying that, which I don't understand, perhaps because I am just a little kid.
They use the terms like justice, equality, liberty, integrity, sovereignty, rights.........etc. etc. which my little brain isn't able to comprehend. Sometimes there are also discussions of secularism, socialism.........but none of them gets compiled to my mind. All I know is that tomorrow is a prabhat pheri (morning march), then flag hosting, after that school parade and then I've to sing "Sare jahan se achcha........". And there will be loads of games tomorrow - musical chair, math race, jalebi race, goli-chammach, three-leg race, frog jumping........etc.etc. It'll be so much fun and I am going to participate in everyone.
I keep murmuring the song Sare jahan se achcha..... every now and then. I remember it fully, I've practiced enough, but in front of these many people? I am really afraid, but ok my parents will be there, I can do it. Then suddenly my mind goes to musical chair........this time I can't loose. I've to be little smart. I'll spend more time near chair and walk fast between the chairs, so that as soon as music stops I can get a seat. What about goli chammach? Well I am good at it, I just have to hold to spoon well, and make sure I never look down......that's all. I keep on thinking about different events happening tomorrow, and I don't know when I went to sleep.
I hear my mamma calling: "Wake up. It's already 5:00 AM. Your all friends are ready and in queue for the prabhat pheri." I immediately throw my quilt away and get up. I hear my friends shouting slogans in front of my door : "Inquilab - Zindabad", "Mahatma Gandhi - Zindabad", "Sardar Bhagat Singh - Amar Rahe", "Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isaai; Sab aapas me bhai-bhai",. I can't wait any longer, I brush my teeth fast and run to join the march. I start shouting the slogans as loud as I can. We cover three streets across my lane and come back.
"Mamma, get me ready. I am getting late for flag hosting." - I tell my Mamma. I am wearing new shoes today, I am so happy. The school dress is black and white, and then there is a maroon necktie. As soon as Mamma finishes tying my shoe-laces, I run. Mamma shouts - "Wait......at least eat something before you go. You've not even drunk water. It'll be late".
"It's fine Ma! I'll eat jalebi at school only" - I shout back and run away.
I am at school, I participate in flag hosting. I salute the national flag and start singing national anthem. My eyes automatically get closed. Hosting is over, they're distributing jalebis to everyone, and I am sitting at corner practicing for my patriotic song. I miss my favorite sweet too. Suddenly I hear principal's voice: "Everyone get ready for the parade. It'll start in five minutes". I run and join the front queue. I see my parents sitting in the audience.
It's so sunny today and I didn't have water since morning, my throats are getting dry but I am so happy. The parade teacher starts: "Attention!!" I take my right leg off the ground and I fell down. My eyes are closed, I am surrounded by many people. They're sprinkling water on my face. My mamma is constantly crying. I hear a voice: "Rajesh, wake up. You've not even understood the meaning of 'republic'" and I suddenly open my eyes. "Oh No!! It's 8:15. What a weird dream today! I've to get dressed and run for flag hosting."
