The positive about Republic Day 2018, is the deepening of our relationship with the Nusantara. The negative is the marginalisation of many configurations on a day that we celebrate our flawed democracy. In 1950, granting voting rights to all citizens in a post colonial nation state scarred by partition, was audacious. A thought ahead of its time. Democracy though is not only about elections. It is not a chore. Rituals are moments to reassess and reflect on the journey. We are a nation where a group stalls discourse. This is democracy too. RK Nagar elections is also democracy.
Cow, Caste and Capitalism
Are totems
Of everyday life
Republic Day is an extended weekend
We hoist the flag
Sing the Anthem
Flutter flags
Purchased at the traffic signal
Haggled down to the paisa
With the homeless Street hawker
This is our democracy
Democracy is a packet of Biryani
We digest it easily
Debates are harder
BMKJ.
