Reflecting on the Celebration of Birthdays of Great Personalities in India
India is a land rich with history and filled with countless influential personalities. The question arises: should we celebrate the birthdays of figures like Ashoka, Samudra Gupta, Shivaji, Akbar, Raja Raja Chola, Mahavira, Adi Shankara, Gandhi, Patel, Nehru, Vivekananda, Tulsidas, Valmiki, Kabir, Thiruvalluvar, Purandaradas, and Tagore, among others?
The Evolving Landscape of National Holidays
Every year, new governments often add political figures from their side to the already growing list of recognized birthday celebrations. This practice can lead to an overwhelming number of holidays, making it difficult for the general populace to stay engaged. CM Yogi Adityanath's suggestion to remove such birth anniversary celebrations has garnered significant attention. While we honor these individuals on various special occasions, Adityanath argues that renaming such days could be a more meaningful way to celebrate them.
The Case of Mahatma Gandhi
One of the most debated areas is the celebration of October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The current state of affairs often reduces this day to a mere holiday with no real remembrance of Gandhi's contributions. Over time, if this trend continues, it is possible that people might not even remember it as Gandhi's birthday, but rather as a national holiday. Instead, we should consider converting this day to a normal working day focused on community service and tribute to Gandhi's ideals of cleanliness and social harmony. Schools and institutions could use this opportunity to propagate Gandhi's ideas through various mediums, such as radio broadcasts, community clean-up drives, and educational programs.
Alternative Celebrations and Time Off
Adityanath proposes an alternative that involves giving students and workers 10 days off throughout the year. These days could be spent with extended family and community during important festivals. Additionally, there could be an election process where everyone votes to choose 5 more days off, making these days official holidays for everyone in the institution. This approach not only fosters community bonding but also alleviates the burden of too many holidays.
The Defense Day Proposal
Another suggestion that has gained traction is the celebration of December 16th as Defense Day, symbolizing the great victory in the liberation of Bangladesh. This day emphasizes the importance of national unity and bravery, which are essential values to keep alive in the collective consciousness of the nation.
Implementing These Changes
Several key stakeholders agree with CM Yogi Adityanath's vision. The idea of implementing these changes across the country is gaining support. The rationale behind such a shift is to ensure that respect for our great personalities is maintained through actions and not just through holidays.
Conclusion
While many would argue that celebrating the birthdays of historical figures is a way to keep their memories alive, the reality is that frequent celebrations can sometimes lead to desensitization. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance and channel our respect and admiration for these individuals through meaningful actions and practices rather than just holidays. Implementing these suggestions could provide a more sustainable and impactful way to honor our great personalities.