Today India celebrates its 72nd Republic Day, and the mood this time is one of cautious optimism tamed by the Covid-pandemic and an equally serious protest from farmer unions agitating against the new farm reform legislation. Started in the post-Independence era to commemorate the coming into being of the Indian Republic since 1950, the Day has unfailingly been an occasion to cherish. This is also for the gala military Parade and tableaux at Rajpath in the capital between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. The events in the past saw a specially invited foreign head of state watching the parade, cultural extravaganza and more. This time, in view of the grim Covid-19 scenario in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his scheduled arrival for this purpose; making this one of the rarest of rare occasions without a top foreign dignitary adding weight to the event.
The celebration itself has been toned down due to the pandemic’s continuing sway. Instead of the presence of 1,50,000 viewers on the spot last year, this time a mere 25,000 people will be allowed in by observing the social distancing norms. Also, for the first time, children below age 15 will not be granted entry. Added attractions this time would, however, be the newly inducted Rafale fighter jets of Indian Air Force and a special contingent from Bangladesh.
A dampener to the usual R-Day spirit this time is the spectacular induction of a negative factor – of protesting farmers threatening to overshadow the annual event by holding a 100-km “tractor parade” to highlight their grievances and press the demand for repeal of the new farm laws. Lakhs of tractors from the granaries of northern India, namely Punjab and Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as well will roll out, but the protesters have promised the Republic Parade would not be disturbed.
Considering the frayed tempers, this reassurance is an appreciable response from farmers. Their demands are still under negotiation and an understanding could be reached between them and the government in due course. Also appreciably, their agitation is being carried on in a disciplined and non-violent manner; a sound reason for the central government to grant them maximum concessions in the ongoing dialogue. Importantly, politicians have not been allowed to hijack the cause of the farmers. India’s soul is to be found in its villages, as had been famously emphasized by the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. Farmers and farm hands, who feed the nation, represent that soul and spirit. Their grievances need to be addressed with more empathy.