Activities of Republic Day to instil Patriotism in young children
The struggle of our ancestors for the freedom of our country is inspirational. On Republic Day our Constitution came into effect. Since young children will not be able to comprehend their Rights at such a tender age, let’s make this 74th Republic Day extra special and instil a feeling of patriotism and nationalism through a few creative activities.
Republic Day Quiz and Riddles
The school can organize a Quiz show or Riddles based on the Freedom Fighters and Independence Day dates. As young children won’t be able to understand the struggle and instances our ancestors went through at that time, the least we can do is to make them learn the names and slogans of our Freedom Fighters.
Patriotic Movie Marathon
In India, we believe in Nationalism and Patriotism by heart and that is why our film fraternity has created so many patriotic movies for the audience. Some of them are; URI, Raazi, Lakshya, Rang De Basanti, Swades, Parmanu, Shershaah, Lagaan, Mission Mangal, Mission Kashmir, Baby, A Wednesday, Border, and many more.
Historical Books 
Indeed, every child enjoys a good bedtime story, Parents must be telling them about fairytales and cartoons but have they ever tried to tell them about our historical books?
Here are some suggestions for historical books that could be read to young children.
India’s Freedom Story– Ira Saxena & Nilima Sinha
Independent India- Megha Gupta
The Teenage Diary of Raani Lakshmibai– Tanushree Podder
The Adventure of Young Ambedkar– Devyangi Khobragade
Heroes the colour of Dust- Amit Majumdar
The Constitution of India for Children– Subhadra Sen
Her Name was Freedom: 35 fearless Women who fought for India’s Independence- Anu Kumar
Make the Indian Flag
Let the children make our Indian Flag and learn what every colour on the flag signifies.
Saffron– Strength and Courage
White– Peace & Truth
Green– Fertility & Growth
Navy Blue– Charkha
Indoor activities, Drills, and Parade
The school should conduct a Republic Day Drill and Parades to let the young children understand the importance of discipline, our cultural heritage, and unity in diversity. Parents must take them to watch parades. Some of the activities that might be helpful are listed below.
- Dance and Sing Patriotic songs
- Enact skits based on slogans of our freedom fighters
- Conduct a fancy dress competition
- Conduct drills based on folk dance and cultural songs
- Perform parades to give tribute to the nation
Flag Hoisting
It is a different feeling altogether when you watch a flag-hoisting ceremony. The feeling of patriotism and belongingness is what every child should seek. Parents and teachers should tell young children a noteworthy difference that on Independence Day, Flag Hoisting signifies our win over Colonial/British rule, and on Republic Day it signifies that the Indian Constitution was adopted this day.
Historical Visit in Delhi and outside Delhi
To connect with our historical win over British rule here is a list of a few historical places that young children with great significance.
In Delhi
- Gandhi Smriti
- Raj Ghat
- India Gate
- Red Fort
All over India
- Agra Fort, Agra
- Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
- Kirit Mandir, Porbandar
- Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
- Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Island
- Gateway of India, Mumbai
Conclusion
It is important to educate young children about the significance of Republic Day and instil the feeling of Patriotism and Nationalism. Activities enable young children to have a sense of collective identity and help to mould themselves into better and responsible citizens of India.