TELLY ACTORS ON WHAT WILL MAKE THE COUNTRY A TRULY REPUBLIC NATION

While the Republic Day celebrations are on across India, telly actors tell MANASI Y MASTAKAR how and what, according to them, will make the country a truly republic nation

EIJAZ KHAN: A government elected by its citizens affects every aspect of their lives from schools to health care to homeland security. Voting is an important right in our society. By voting, you are making your voice heard and registering your opinion on how you think the government should operate. To me, this is the only way you can make the India a Republic. Please vote and be the change.

MOHAMMAD NAZIM: Many people aren’t even aware what a republic nation means. India might be a democratic republic on paper, but in reality, it isn’t. If it was then why was the rape juvenile convict left free? And get awarded for rape?

SSHARAD MALHOTRAA: India can be truly Republic by stopping all communal riots. We should live in peace and harmony. India is one rich cosmopolitan country, so we should value that and spread the word about brotherhood.

DEVOLEENA BHATTACHARJEE: India is a republic country but can be truly republic. It’s when regional identity takes a backseat and what matters most is the universal appeal of unity and brotherhood projected by all Indians. The Indian constitution basically stands for the aspirations which ‘the common man of India’ cherishes.

VIVIAN DSENA: I feel that India has come a long way. Everything, be it infrastructure or technology, has advanced and we are almost at the same level as other bigger countries. But I feel to be a true Republic, we need to work on other humane aspects of the country. We need to have a speedy process of getting justice, that is one area where we are lacking. We also need to work on areas such as education. Literacy ensures execution of democracy and awareness of rights. SHUBHANGI ATRE: I guess we all were taught the significance of Republic Day in Indian History. But the question is whether it actually holds any significance for us beyond passing an 8th standard history exam? Is it just another holiday, an excuse to not go to work, maybe just a dry day. It brings us to ponder over the meaning of Republic Day Celebrations. The day we understand the significance and value our national duties. Our country can be in real republic.

ARJUN BIJLANI: There is modernisation, yet the mindset of people is getting narrower. We see that often that in cases of rape and molestation, the dressing sense of girls is questioned and not the intentions of the man. While our Prime Minister is wandering too far off lands, to ensure that India gets a good exposure in the world, people don’t come out of their house, afraid of the risks they might face. While we get dressed for the celebration of Republic Day, do performances and decorations, there are hundreds of children who don’t have clothes and just have the Indian flag to hold in their hands.

LAKSH: People don’t ask your name, they ask your surname, your caste, your sub-caste. Isn’t the person human enough for you? Different religions just show that people have different beliefs which reach the same conclusion, why make such a big deal out of it? Build a mandir, masjid or church, I say build all in one. We have all originated from the same massive energy which people believe is God. God is one.

RASHAMI DESAI: India is made of people. And one of them is you. You are part, although a tiny fractional part, of India. Your tiny efforts may turn out to become something huge. So, are you the one? On this republic day, do you pledge to be the change, that spark that will ignite others in doing good? Let’s just not celebrate this Republic Day as an achieve-ment or entertain-ment, but as a responsibility that we have towards our nation. SUYYASH RAI: India is republic as we are free to do our religious practices, every individual is given the right to choose the government once we turn 18, value of vote is same for every person irrespective of their position.The constitution defines certain fundamental rights which safeguards the interests of every citizen. But when we will understand and value such rights and our votes.We all will be concerned about our nation, it will make India an absolute republic country.

SHASHANK

VYAS: India is a democratic country and the citizens enjoy many rights. However, for it to be a true republic, we need to ensure that these rights are enjoyed by all. Freedoms like the freedom of speech should be given to all. The freedom to eat what to want and wear what you want, should not be questioned. I feel this is what stops India from becoming a true republic.

MAHIKA SHARMA: Our country is republic and independent. But our women are not independent at times. They are dictated, and their fundamental rights are ruthlessly violated. Religious extremists and caste councils are in their prime. They are the new ‘omnipotent’. The day we value everyone’s right be it poor, rich, transgender or anyone. Women’s are secured. Our country will become a truly republic nation.