Republic Day & telecast

Our republic day is a spectacle that I always don't miss. It's a great display of India's ability to organize such an event every year consistently. This is not as easy a job as it sees on TV for acouple of hours. It almost takes a year long planning and execution added to it is the security concerns.

Every year when I see the tabs and different regiments march it makes me feel good and proud. I was lucky enought to be there as a spectator twice. Watching the parade live despite the weather and security checks the amplification of pride and thrill in being there is manyfold.

The DD coverage is generally criticized and this year I watched the telecast by CNN-IBN and NDTV. It made me consider DD the best when it comes to commentory. In fact I didn't like the NDTV's interview running parallel to the parade commentory as most of the things discussed were disappointing, pessimistic negative thoughts. It could be genuine as they are thoughts from distinguished achievers but I don't think RD parade is a place for it. The media must understand the intellect level of the audience of any program while they plan for it.

CNN-IBN had an innovative way, they ran a parallel quiz for scholl children on India which was both interesting and informative.

It's good to have private players taking on the telecast of the parade as consumers benefit out of their technological superiority and it will also force DD to improve their standards. I am sure the viewership will also increase and thus getting more sponsors and money. If I let my imagination wander, someday we can even have a ticker at the bottom of the screen saying 'This regiment is sponsored by XXX' and hope it will not go to the extent of the marching troops pinning the labels of sponspors on their sleeves and the tabs, tanks and Sukhois painted with the sponsors brands.

There were a few disturbing observations on the regional celebrations. It's sad to know that it was just 150 people in Srinagar's parade and Gauwhati had less than 100 including the officials. It's not a good sign at all. We cannot accept it as a celebration when the security guards are more than the participants in any place. The state must take it as serious as I feel and try to improve the conditions immediately.

Though many countries are richer and powerful than India, I don't think there is any one country that can match our diversity and variety in culture which we MUST show case at least once a year to the world.

Ever proud to be an Indian...Jai Hind