26 January, 15 August and 02 October: a few days termed as National Holidays in India are some much looked forward to holidays, not because of their national importance but more because they offer a compulsory leave from the hectic routine of most of the working couples. Very few parents send their children to school on these days as they plan some fun at home or outside with family or friends. If the days happen to be in between a week then most of us plan a lazy morning with breakfast in bed followed by some movie screening or shopping at the nearby malls. Some cleanliness freaks like me, look at it as an opportunity to arrange the cupboards, vacuum the carpets and blankets and remove the cobwebs.
What about the children?
With passing years the importance of the struggle of our ancestors and the reason for celebrating these days as National Holidays is fading. It is different with the festivals because we are still a society bound by religion so in some or the other way, the festivals are celebrated in pomp and splendour. But it’s not so with the Independence Day or the Republic Day anymore. Also, the so-called ‘evils’ of unplanned city lives has made it further difficult for the younger generation to acknowledge the pains taken by earlier generations to build the country.
While we sat down to see the parade, he made friends with some other children sitting next to him. He saw the political dignitaries from the country and outside come to attend the parade. He saw the magnificent soldiers and policemen march past the Raj path to salute the President. Then, there were beautiful facades made by different states and institutions. And after that we witnessed the various bands and children dancing on the tunes of folk songs from various states. 
Not every one of us would be able to go to New Delhi for attending the parade every time to create the feeling of patriotism in our children. We can try to do the same by sitting at home at watching the parade on TV or in our mobiles. But more important is what I keep saying again and again is to Make Memorable Moments for our kids so that they remember what the day means to all of us. I do not mean by saying this that you suddenly, wake up on this Sunday and after reading this article cancel the plans of going and watching the movie Manikarnika. No.
Instead, take help of the movie and let your kids ask you questions about the struggle for Indian freedom. Patriotism is not something which can be instilled overnight. Also, it is not a dormant feeling too which comes to life on these few days. The feelings of nationalism can be generated slowly and steadily in your daily life. We can take the help of some interesting games such as “Show and Tell”, Pictionary; show Movies of nationalist fervour or tell them interesting stories about freedom fighters or how you celebrated these days in your childhood. Do tell them to be proud of their country because what a nation gives to a kid is: An identity and the Freedom to carry that identity.
