Braving winter chill, kids rehearse for R-Day

NEW DELHI - For most Delhiites it is a struggle to just get out of their quilts on these cold winter mornings — but the children participating in the Republic Day parade have been braving the morning chill and fog for the past month to put up an exemplary show Tuesday.

Even as fog blinded the capital, crippling rail and air traffic, the enthusiastic children who have come from different parts of the country have remained steadfast in their practice at the crack of dawn on Rajpath, the road from Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate.

“We have to wake up at 4.30 in the morning. Initially I used to be a bit reluctant but then I have practiced for this moment for the last four months. I cannot relax now,” said Ayush Siva Ram, a Class 8 student and the youngest cadet at the National Cadet Corps’ (NCC) Republic Day camp.

Ayush belongs to the NCC’s Andhra Pradesh directorate.

“I am a south Indian and I am not used to such winter conditions. Since the day I have come here I have caught this cold and cough. But it is worth it,” Ayush told IANS, showing his four layers of clothing.

“I cannot compromise with the clothing,” Ayush added with a wink.

Sahiba Kaur Saddal, a Class 9 student from Maharashtra, also said that while she would love to sleep a little longer, she is proud to participate in the Republic Day celebrations.

“We are very proud to be here. So sometimes I do want to sleep a little longer but have to motivate myself,” said Sahiba, who is also part of the NCC’s marching contingent.

“Mumbai is very pleasant. But here it’s very cold and marching down the Rajpath, when dense fog even hides the India Gate, does take a lot of effort,” she added.

Hundreds of children, many from different parts of the country like Ayush and Sahiba, came to Delhi around end-December to practice for the parade, which has on show a combination of smart marching contingents, colourful cultural programmes and many tableaux.

However, with the full dress rehearsal having been conducted Saturday, the children can have a brief rest before the grand finale Tuesday.