January 26 is our Republic Day. It was on this day in 1950 that India became a republic. It is a public holiday. We celebrate it every year.

In the morning of the last R-Day, I joined a procession. IT started from my street. Many other processions joined us. Every bulding on our way had the national tri-colour flying on its top. We formed a mass meeting on the municipal grounds. The chief minister unfurled the national flag. We saluted it. Then we went to the police grounds. There was a march past here. The governor of Gujarat took the salute.

On my way home, I saw sweets being distributed among the poor. Everyone was happy and gay. There was a torchlight procession in the evening. I saw bright and colourful lights at night. I went home late.