MATTER OF PRIDE
Albeit the times have changed and so do the people’s attitude towards their duties and responsibilities as one can see the sea change in the willingness of people to go and be the part and parcel of Republic Day celebration functions because most of the citizens spend time on this national festival as if the same was just another holiday and they have nothing to do with what is going on in MA Stadium in Jammu, which is the main venue for the celebrations of Republic Day in the Union Territory of J&K. It is pertinent to mention that a few decades ago people used to reach this place with great enthusiasm and euphoria, and showcased their patriotism, which was innate and devoid of any pretense. The situation today has turned dismal with the government making appeals to people to be a part of this important national event. Though after the change of guard at the centre in 2014 and the respective changes which took place in J&K, the situation has once again changed and people in large number have started taking part in such functions of national importance but still lot has to be done to evoke nationalism to the hilt in the people of the country in general and the UT of J&K in particular. In this context, one can gauge the situation by knowing the fact that J&K government has asked all its employees and those of the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), stationed at Jammu to attend the main function of the Republic Day at Maulana Azad Stadium in the winter capital as a part of their official duty. This should not be the case, rather the situation should be like more and more people approaching the government to become part of this significant national event and the government sieving the list of those who should be the part of Republic Day celebrations at the aforesaid venue. Similar is the case for the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 at the same venue. The main function of the Republic Day, 2023 is being held at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, where the Lieutenant Governor will preside over the function and take the salute, and the people should feel pride in becoming a part of this important event.