I saw the Republic Day parade for the first time in 1958 as a young ias trainee on duty. It went on for far too long, with every arm of the army, navy and air force insisting on due representation. After 50 years of the same experience, many of us have raised questions: should it be held every year, since for months it disrupts life in the capital, at great economic loss? Should it be so long? The parade length has been cut down over the years, but I still see no reason to march rockets through narrow roads across the city or parade cardboard ships with little toy helicopters swinging on poles. This display of national virility is unnecessary. Yes, the colourful regiments of the Indian army should march, so should select contingents of the navy and air force and the bsf camel corps which people tend to find the most appealing. The tribal dancers from central and eastern India bring life and joy to the gathering. They also bring a sad thought: how long will their culture survive the new economic order rapidly spreading across the country?
I...
The Warped Weft 
What It Means To Live Under The Airless Veil 
