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Being an NRI, it has always been challenging to I end the day by listening to patriotic songs,
preserve my culture and traditions. Often, you find reflecting on the sacrifices of our forefathers, and
yourself surrounded by people who follow feeling truly proud to be born as an INDIAN.
different customs with great pride, which can -- Neeraja Parayil Suraj, 10
sometimes make you feel mismatched. However,
being an NRI should never be seen as an excuse to Being an Indian residing in Kuwait, Republic Day is
stop following what your heart and soul desire. a special day for me. When I look at the calendar
Although I was born and brought up in a different and see that it is the 26th day of January, my heart
country, my blood is Indian, and it will always be. fills with happiness and excitement. This occasion
The distance from my homeland has not weakened connects me to my roots and reminds me of the
my relationships with my loved ones but has only values India upholds—Unity, Freedom, and
made them ten times stronger. They may be miles Progress.
apart, but it always feels like they are right beside Every year, our Indian community in Kuwait
me. Similarly, even though I am miles away from gathers with excitement and patriotism at the
India, I proudly introduce myself as an Indian. Embassy of India, Kuwait. The celebrations start
I have always valued preserving culture so that with the hoisting of the Tricolor flag while singing
upcoming generations will never be unaware of the Indian National Anthem. It reminds me that no
their heritage and traditions. These traditions, matter where we are, we remain the proudest
created in history, should thrive in the future. Indians at heart.
While I may not be able to stand in Delhi on the The events on that day are equally special. Cultural
Kartavya Path during the parades, I certainly show programs showcase India’s diverse customs
respect to my nation by watching the ceremony through traditional dances, patriotic songs, and
virtually through social media platforms. Singing speeches. It’s amazing how NRIs, young and old,
the national anthem alongside our brave and come together to honor our Indian heritage. It is a
valorous soldiers, who stand tirelessly to protect day to celebrate not just our country but also the
us, is itself a great way of showing respect. unique bond shared among Indians abroad.
To express our love and gratitude toward our At home, my family and I watch the Republic Day
nation, we can always share our knowledge with Parade broadcast live from New Delhi. The
others. I make it a point to enhance the beauty of showcasing of India’s military, technological
my house with flags and the colors of the Indian advancements, and diverse cultural performances
tricolor to bring in the spirit of Republic Day. As a fills me with pure pride. The tableaux from various
symbol of patriotism, I often gather with a few states beautifully represent India’s incredible unity
friends to hoist the Indian national flag. in diversity, reminding us of our rich traditions
One of my favorite parts of celebrating Republic and achievements.
Day as an NRI is joining other Indians and Additionally, we take time to talk about India’s
organizing workshops where we share and gain progress with our children. It is important for
knowledge about our homeland. Even at my them to understand the significance of Republic
school, we have programs for Republic Day, and I Day and learn about the values of democracy and
always try my best to participate. The school patriotism. Sharing stories of India’s freedom
auditorium is decorated with flags and balloons in fighters and the making of the Indian Constitution
the three colors of the Indian flag: saffron, helps them feel connected to their roots, even
representing strength and courage; green, while living far away.
symbolizing growth and auspiciousness; and For me, celebrating Republic Day is not just about
white, standing for peace and truth, with the honoring India’s past struggles but also about
Dharma Chakra in the middle. dreaming of India’s bright future. It is a moment of
Our freedom fighters are the reason we are free gratitude for the sacrifices of our forefathers and a
today and live in a democratic society governed by commitment to contributing to India’s growth in
the Constitution. Republic Day is a perfect time for whatever way possible. Even though I am miles
us Indians to pay respect to our freedom fighters. away, India lives in my heart every single day.
It always feels fulfilling to immerse myself in
reading about these heroes who shaped our nation. -- Allegra Prijith, 9
I have never forgotten to celebrate the day India
adopted its Constitution.

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