Talk:Republic Day Parade

Created new article under "Republic Day Parade"

Surprisingly, when I searched for "republic day parade" it redirected me to "beating retreat", which is not the same as republic day parade. God knows who do these redirections - they would end up absolutely confusing the unsuspecting and the gullible. I have created a new entry under "republic day parade". As the article now exists, there is too much emphasis on the Criticism part. Perhaps someone could add some more information about the parade proper. Also, if someone could gather some sources for the criticisms - let me assure you, they are all valid ones, and have surfaced intermittently in various publications and fora. Good day. GrubStreet 12:46, 22 March 2006 (UTC)

How can you include inviting a friendly country in the criticisms list??? Not a valid one , i guess .It should be removed Bharatveer 17:43, 29 April 2006 (UTC)

I have removed the last sentence from the list of Criticisms as it does not qualify itself as a criticism at all Bharatveer 05:07, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

Perhaps it would have been better to generate a consensus regarding the criticism before deleting it. I quoted it as it has been in the media as a valid criticism - it is another matter that there is no consensus regarding the validity. While inviting a foreign dignitary is certainly not a crime, the glitter of the parade and the substantiveness of the occasion is used to further the foreign policy goals of India, much like the Government awards are mired deep in politics. Bhutan or Saudi Arabia or Iran do not feature much in domestic political discourse, except when there is a deal to be clinched, in which case a dignitary is rewarded with being the Chief Guest. It has happened too often to be considered a coincidence. I would prefer is someone else could put the criticism back until this issue is resolved. --Priyatu 09:40, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

Some cleanup done, more required

I've done a little bit of rewriting and have put in some photos as well. Some more photos can be included if we can put in some more text :)

Can anybody find a way of including this?

Also, I've removed the criticism section and replaced it with a paragraph. The original is here. I thought the old thing was rather long-wided and repetitive. And the final point is a suggestion rather than a criticism.

Criticism of Republic Day Parade

Recently, the Republic Day festivities have been under some controversy, as people raise various points about its symbolism and efficacy:

• It is alleged that the symbolism of a military show of force on a day that symbolically belongs to the citizens of the country, is all wrong. Critics say that military parades may be better held on military occasions like Army Day, etc.
• Despite better relations with neighbouring countries, the military expenditure has been continuously rising every year. The Republic Day Parade brings this aspect of fiscal policy very ostentatiously. It is further alleged that the huge cost of organising the event could be used for more productive purposes.
• Republic Day Parade and its surrounding festivities, in the National Capital as much as in other state capitals, have become ideal occasions for militants to strike. This increases the threat to the general public.
• The Republic Day Parade involves great inconvenience to the citizens of New Delhi due to transportation chaos before and after the event. The huge security drills and precautions render many areas inaccessible further inconveniencing the local populace.
• It is suggested by some that an occasion like the Republic Day which is dedicated to the citizens of a country, may be more aptly celebrated by public participation through large fairs, get-togethers, concerts, marathons or other events invovling the public. The festivities as occurs now works by shutting out the citizens wherein they should have worked the other way. The Army, it has been suggested, could elicit better understanding and public relations by giving greater access to their military hardware - this would further instill pride among the citizens (one of the primary purpose of the military parade is to instill national pride).

Pramod(Talk)