We took Ananya to see the local republic parade that was organized at Vikram Ground, West Hill . The flag was unfurled by the minister of Industries. And I heard the National Anthem after a really long time. I joined in, awashed by memories and tears! As the parade walked past at tandem, I was transported back to my school days when we were part of the parade. There were three schools in the colony where we grew up and there used to be a competition between them. All the kids were taken to the grounds to cheer their team. There was march past, PT, Dance and singing competition and pride was at stake! It was good fun. Those were the days! And then we would rush home eating the ‘laddoos’ distributed to watch the TV and the DD broad cast of the republic day parade live from New Delhi. And like my cousin recently put it, it hasn’t lost its charm!
I love watching the parade, as a slice of Indian culture and Defence might marches past every bit proud and elegant. I hope to be there some day and witness it live.
The people of Calicut have launched a drive to declare Calicut district plastic free and on the occasion had organized a human chain from Azhiyur to Pantheerankaav, the two extremities of the district. Lots of school kids participated as did working members of different political parties and citizens. We did our part and stood in the line while M.T.Vasudevan Nair, the renowned Malayalam writer read out an oath which was heard all along the stretch of people via loud speakers. Since then I am becoming aware of how much plastic we all use in our daily lives and many if not all can be avoided. Using cloth carry bags for shopping is the least we can do. Plastic has replaced all our storage jars in the kitchen. Perhaps we can go back to the Glass jars of yore. Most of the cosmetics that we buy come in plastic containers. It would be nice if the manufacturers bought the containers back for reuse. Many of the toys come packaged in plastic moulding. We once bought a printer where the shock absorbing casing was made out of recycled paper and I was impressed. Clearly, more people should be doing this.
I don’t think plastic can be avoided but we can reduce its use and also initiate a good disposing system primarily a recollection centre. This has to be tackled at the administrative level with suitable legislation. We can start by putting away all unnecessary plastics.