When I saw the prompt of this week "How to teach kids importance of Republic day" I was both amused and confused. Teaching kids anything around nationalism and patriotism is really tough. These are such abstract feeling that can only be understood when one really realizes the importance of Independence and how the collective efforts of our freedom fighters brought it to us. In today's time, when most of the adults are ignorant in executing their duties towards the country, how can we expect kids to be loving for our country!! However, I remember my childhood when I was very patriotic. Reading stories of struggle of freedom was in the curriculum. I was in touch with theories and ethics that made our country. How rules and regulations were made, how tax system was introduced, how policies were made and how our country progressed. I was loving our country so much.
Slowly, as I grew up, I started forgetting all that I read and with that, I also became the part of the crowd. The one who prefers criticising the nation rather than being thankful for what good things it is giving to us. My patriotism got limited till watching TV on 15 August and 26 January.
Last year on 15 August, after so many years, I was again enthusiastic about celebrating our nation. My son did some craft activity at his daycare and I found him in love with our colourful national flag. When my husband and I saw him sing the national anthem, we were even more delighted. On 15 August, we spent our day watching kite flying and evening firecracker work. This is the typical way 15 August is being celebrated in Delhi. At least Vibhu (my son) understood that 15 August is for celebrating.
Last year on 15 August, after so many years, I was again enthusiastic about celebrating our nation. My son did some craft activity at his daycare and I found him in love with our colourful national flag. When my husband and I saw him sing the national anthem, we were even more delighted. On 15 August, we spent our day watching kite flying and evening firecracker work. This is the typical way 15 August is being celebrated in Delhi. At least Vibhu (my son) understood that 15 August is for celebrating.
For young kids, it is difficult to acknowledge Independence day or Republic day. Yet we parents can do a few little things that can make them enjoy these days. I had planned some activities to do with Vibhu on this 26th of January. However, he was not well that day. So we couldn't do those activities. I would like to list some of these activities that I thought about to make him excited about Republic day:
1. Watching Republic day parade: I feel this is the best part of Republic day. The program normally starts around 8:30 AM morning and by then kids can easily get ready. For good two hours, kids can enjoy the parade, flying show, tabloids and dance performance of school kids. The whole parade show is full of knowledge. Kids know about different states and their unique cultures with tabloids. They also come to know about Indian armies and officials. Republic day parade is my favourite since childhood and I hardly missed it in all these years.
2. Tricolor foods: You can make the day full of tricolours. From breakfast till dinner time, you can experiment with three colours; Orange, White and Green. In breakfast make tricolour idli. By using natural colours of carrots and peas, you can make colourful idli batter and then steam idlies of three colours. Likewise tricolour sandwich can again make kids excited about the day. Similarly in lunch have gazar halwa, green chutney and white rice. Arrange them so that kids can visualize a flag at the lunch table. And in dinner make tricolour chapatis or parathas. Again the natural ingredients like carrots and spinach can be used.
3. Craft Activities: There are so many craft activities that are available on different sites. Based on the age of kids, you can opt a few activities to do with kids on Republic day. While doing the activities, tell them stories of how our constitution was made, of course, if kids can understand. You even can plan a play date with other kids of know families. In playdate, kids can collectively enjoy craft and colouring activities. I have seen a few daycares/schools arrange a photo session as well. Kids dressed for Republic day theme pose in their unique styles and those few hours make the day really worth for them.
4. A day full of patriotic songs: We have many patriotic songs that we can cherish on Republic day. Make a playlist in advance and play them since morning. Keep them playing when kids do craft and colouring activities. Good songs really lift our mood and kids love music. Now as my son prefers peppy numbers, I had searched many fast music patriotic songs. So, you can spend the whole day listening to the songs that fill your heart with love for the country. Young kids can enjoy the good beats and can even perform the celebration dance. I love to dance on the song " Ye desh hai veer jawano ka..". This is such an energetic number. Although old, still can force you into dancing.
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