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Keep The Child Inside You Alive this Republic Day
As the vibrant colours of the Indian flag unfurl this Republic Day or Gantantra Divas, it's not just a celebration of our nation's sovereignty but a journey back to the days of innocence and joy. Today, we delve into the depths of our childhood school memories, reawakening the inner child that resides within each of us.
Republic Day is an amalgamation of different emotions and memories associated with national pride and personal nostalgia. Normally, as children, we didn't like getting up early, but it was a different story on Republic Day altogether. The motivation of getting dressed early in the morning, the excitement of sitting with family in front of the television to watch the parade was unsettling. The commentary on DD National about the parade and dance performances had a different fan base altogether. We're transported back to the school grounds, where the tricolor was hoisted amidst loud cheers and the singing of the national anthem.
It's not just a historical milestone; it's a celebration that connects us to the simpler times of our youth. In our chase of success, we are so disconnected from the spontaneity and joy of childhood and Republic Day offers a moment to pause and reflect. It's an opportunity to rekindle the spirit of our younger selves, to remember the enthusiasm and boundless energy that once defined us, to heal ourselves and let the vibrant energy of our inner child come alive once again.
Read this blog till the end to awaken your inner child by experiencing a soothing getaway into the world of healing, solitude, and growth.
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The essence of Republic Day in childhood
The 26th of January, marked as Republic Day in India, commemorates the day when the Constitution of India came into effect. But it was more than the constitutional significance for us as children. There was a palpable excitement in the air whether it was about the rehearsals for cultural dances, preparing for speech competitions, or the pride of wearing our school uniforms adorned with tricolor badges.
It was all about enjoying that very moment- the love for laddoos and samosas, the fervour of patriotic songs like ‘Sande se aate hain’ and ‘Rang De Basanti’, the joy of preparing our tricolored clothes well in advance. These memories remind us of a time when our biggest concern was whether we'd get to be in the front row of the parade or who would win the fancy dress competition. It was a time when the inner child in us revealed simple joys, unburdened by the complexities of adult life.
Cultural celebrations and school memories
The cultural celebrations in schools across India on Republic Day are a spectacle of unity and diversity. From the childhood school memories of practicing march-past to the rhythm of the drumbeat, every step was a lesson in discipline and teamwork. The cultural programs, performances on patriotic songs or a drama depicting India's freedom struggle were a means of instilling a sense of patriotism in our young minds.
Celebrities like Ayushmann Khurrana have often shared their fond memories of Republic Day celebrations during their school days, echoing the sentiments of millions who have lived through similar experiences. These events were not just about winning medals but about keeping the spirit of unity and patriotism alive, so don't ever let the child inside you die and be present in the moment, no matter the situation.
The emotional connect
What’s the first emotion that comes to you when you think about how you spent the Gantantra Divas? Joy, happiness, excitement- a carefree nature overall, right? It's a mix of awe, respect, and a deep sense of belonging. This day made us realise that we were part of something larger than ourselves – a nation with a rich history and a promising future. It was a day when the stories of bravery and sacrifice of our freedom fighters seemed to come alive, inspiring us to be better citizens.
As we grow older, the hustle and bustle of life often leads us to forget these simple yet powerful emotions. But it's essential to never let the child inside you die. This emotional connect, this sense of wonder and respect, is what helps to heal yourself from difficult situations and keeps us grounded and connected to our roots, no matter where life takes us.
So, let’s take a pledge, shall we? Starting this Republic Day, let’s take a moment and groove to the tunes of Bollywood patriotic songs to keep the child inside us alive. Put an end to living life on deadlines, be more carefree and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
The role of food and family gatherings
Republic Day was also a time for family gatherings and special meals. We had social gatherings in our localities and schools where everyone came together, hoisted the flag, and celebrated this auspicious day together. Kitchens across the country buzzed with activity as our families prepared traditional dishes. These meals, often shared with neighbours and friends, were more than just a feast; they were a celebration of unity and diversity. The flavours of the food seemed to embody the spirit of our nation – diverse, rich, and vibrant.
In these gatherings, stories of past Republic Days, tales of freedom fighters, and discussions about the future of our country were common. For us, these stories were not just entertaining; they were the threads that wove the fabric of our patriotism. It was in these moments that we learned the importance of never letting the child inside us die – the child who believes in a better world, who dreams of unity, and who carries the hope of our nation.
Awakening your inner child
Reconnecting with your inner child, especially in the context of such a significant national celebration, can help you heal yourself from the stresses of everyday life.
To connect with your younger self and heal yourself from past expriences or daily stresses and increase strength, try the 'Inner Child Healing' meditation series in a soothing voice for personal growth, available in Hindi and English, on Level SuperMind.
Access the entire meditation series (there's so much more than this) by clicking on the download link below.
Here are some steps to help you awaken and nurture this vital part of your being:
- Reflect on happy childhood memories: Start by recalling your happiest Republic Day memories. Maybe it was a performance you gave in school or the joy of watching the parade on TV with your family.
- Engage in childhood activities: Participate in activities you enjoyed as a child during Republic Day. It could be flying kites, drawing, or even singing patriotic songs.
- Practice mindfulness and playfulness: Be present in the moment and embrace a playful attitude. Let go of adult worries for a while and see the world through the eyes of your younger self.
- Express creativity: Use creative expression as a tool to reconnect with your inner child. Draw, write, or dance, focusing on themes that remind you of Republic Day celebrations.
- Connect with others: Share your Republic Day memories with family or friends. Engaging in conversations about the past can help bring those childlike feelings to the surface.
- Embrace emotional honesty: Acknowledge and accept the emotions that come with these memories. It's okay to feel nostalgic, happy, or even sad.
- Seek joy in simple things: Just as you did as a child, find joy in the simple aspects of the celebration – the colours of the flag, the taste of a favourite dish, or the sound of a patriotic song.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Reconnecting with your inner child is a journey, not a destination.
The evolution of perception
Childhood perception: This day was initially seen as a day of joy, colours, and celebration which focused on the excitement of parades, stories of heroes, and community unity.It was about the simple pleasures of being part of a nation.
Adult perception: As an adult, it grew into a day of introspection, gratitude, and deeper understanding with a combination of patriotic fervour with a comprehensive grasp of national history and responsibilities.
Testament to personal growth: Our point of view shifted from a simplistic view to a nuanced appreciation of the nation's journey involving a profound respect for heritage and commitment to the future.
Balancing the perspectives: We need to understand the importance of never letting the inner child die while allowing our understanding of the nation to mature by maintaining hope, dreams, and belief in unity from childhood, coupled with adult comprehension.
Reflection of personal and national identity: Republic Day is a reminder of our roots and foundational values. Let’s be hopeful, have countless dreams and keep the child inside us alive.
Final thoughts
Our journey through the lanes of nostalgia and the steps to awaken our inner child reminds us of the enduring significance of memories of Gantantra Divas. These memories are a guideing force to keep the child inside us alive, filled with hope, joy, and patriotism.
The laughter, the cheers, the sense of accomplishment in our childhood school memories – all these elements have contributed to our collective identity and personal growth.
In today's fast-paced world, where responsibilities and challenges often overshadow simpler joys, reconnecting with our inner child acts as a way to heal yourself, to find balance and perspective in life.
