For Indians who migrated to the United States a few years ago—particularly those in their thirties and beyond—India is not a distant idea but a lived reality. They have grown up with its sights and sounds, absorbed its contradictions, and carried its memories across continents. Though settled abroad, they continue to follow the social, political, and economic journey of the land of their birth with keen interest. It is therefore natural for them to celebrate India’s national days—Independence Day and Republic Day—with the same warmth and emotion as their religious and cultural festivals such as Diwali, Vaisakhi, Pongal, Onam, Holi, Lohri, Chhath and many others. Each national day rekindles patriotic feelings and invites reflection on the state of the nation. On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India, The Indian Panorama invited its readers of Indian origin to share their views. We are pleased to present a selection of their thoughtful reflections here.
Country Head, US Operations
State Bank of India, New York
As the tricolor unfurls across India on its 77th Republic Day, I join the Indian diaspora in the United States in celebrating the triumph of our Constitution and the spirit of our resilient democracy. I salute every Indian who carries forward our rich heritage while contributing to global progress. May this day inspire us to strengthen the ties between India and USA and work together for a brighter future.
Jai Hind!
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Comment – VK Raju
President, Eye Foundation of America
Morgantown, West Virginia
When INDIA became independent from British rule in 1947 and began a pioneering post-colonial experiment in democratic nation building , many sages had shaken their heads not giving exciting new experiment any chance to last long. INDIA has defied such dire predictions .
On India’s 77th Republic Day , I reflect as someone born in India (got stellar medical education almost for free ) post graduate training and education in Ophthalmology in UK and long settled in United States. There are no two democracies( both are British colonies ) like India – the largest, and the United States – the most powerful . if these two nations can build true Maitri (friendship) rooted in restraint, respect, and compassion they can still help bend history towards peace . In an age of growing violence, the real test of democracy is whether it can protect the future of our children .
Today we the people of the world pray for peace and worship war heroes . It sounds paradoxical , doesn’t it? As Bhrihadaranyakopanishad says —can we move from darkness to light , from division to understanding and from fear to compassion?
May there be peace in all within us and around us!
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Comment – Dr. Satish K Sharma
Former Director of the DAV College Managing Committee (CMC), New Delhi
Ludhiana
On the eve of Republic Day, I offer you my heartiest congratulations!
On January 26, 76 years ago, our founding document, the Constitution of India, came into effect.
Republic Day is indeed a matter of collective joy and pride for all of us. Today, we should first recall the brave souls who made great sacrifices to free the motherland from the shackles of foreign rule.
The Constitution has become a living document. It binds us together as a family. Today, let us humbly express our gratitude to Dr. Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee and other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly, who worked hard and bequeathed us this most wonderful document.
The 76 years of the Constitution are marked by an all-round progress of a young republic. Today, India is taking leadership positions in international forums. This transformation would not have been possible without the blueprint laid down by our Constitution.
Our brothers and sisters living abroad have taken the best of our culture and civilization to different parts of the globe and have made us proud with their achievements in diverse fields.
The key to our future is our youth and especially the young women. Their dreams are molding the India of tomorrow. They have the potential to contribute greatly in the realization of aim of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Let me once again congratulate you all on the occasion of Republic Day.
My best wishes to you in all your endeavors.
Thank you, Jai Hind!