Happy Republic Day: Television Stars Pick Their Favourite January 26th Memories

From hoisting the Indian flag, and watching the Republic Day parade, to performing on patriotic songs in their schools — celebs from the television industry talk about their fondest memories. On the day, when the constitution of India came into effect 68 years back, the actors urge everyone to put their country first.

Shashank Vyas

Care for your country, and contribute to eradicating corruption and pollution. Live in peace and harmony, because we only get one life to live.

Favourite memory: Republic Day reminds me of the parade and the flag hoisting ceremony in my school in Ujjain.

Favourite patriotic film: Rang De Basanti (2006)

Tinaa Dattaa

India should be corruption free, women’s safety should be a subject in our school curriculums, and we should also work towards prisoners’ rights, and fix our legal system.

Favourite memory: I remember going to school for parade in Kolkata.

Favourite patriotic film: Border (1997)

Ssharad Malhotra

Our country will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

Favourite memory: In school, we all celebrated Republic Day by delivering individual speeches in the school assembly. We would sing the national anthem in unity with a lot of pride and joy.

Favourite patriotic film: Border (1997)

Sneha Wagh

India should prosper more, which will happen only when the people of the country work towards eradication of poverty and corruption.

Favourite memory: I played Jhansi Ki Rani in one of my school plays, and everyone applauded my performance.

Favourite patriotic film: Chak De! India (2007)

Vivian Dsena

[You ought to] do good to your country, because your country gave you birth, shelter, and a life to live.

Favourite memory: Since I was in a military school, we used to have a parade and a flag hoisting [ceremony], which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Favourite patriotic film: Shaheed Bhagat Singh (1963)

Gurpreet Singh

I request all citizens to maintain peace, contribute to the progress of our country, and keep the country clean.

Favourite memory: Every year in school, I would go on the stage and sing or do a play on the theme of patriotism. I even joined NCC (National Cadet Corps), and once sang the evergreen song Mere Desh Ki Dharti in the training camp.

Favourite patriotic film: The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)