'Republic Day is now just another holiday'

"Times have changed and so has the perception of the common man regarding patriotism. Days like Republic Day and Independence Day have become an excuse for people to take a holiday and relax. It appears that nationalism has been completely lost," said 82-year-old freedom fighter Ved Prakash Mehra who was honoured by the Citizen Forum for Human Rights at a function held in the Punjab Kala Bhawan on Sunday.

Mayor Kamlesh was the chief guest on the occasion.

Recounting his days of the freedom struggle, Mehra said it was a matter of pride for anyone who had contributed to the movement.

"I still feel very proud of the fact that I went to jail for my nation. I was jailed twice, once with my mother when I was four years old and later when I took part in the Quit India Movement in 1942," said Mehra while adding that people during that time were more than willing to lay down their lives for the country.

He lamented the current generation's attitude towards the country. "People these days have become self-centred. They live in their own cocoons, without any thought for the country. This is very unfortunate," claimed Mehra.

Another freedom fighter, 90-year-old Sardar Joginder Singh was also honoured on the occasion.

Talking about his experience, the former member of the Indian Army said that leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose are a rarity these days. Singh pointed out that countrymen should understand the importance of Independence and not take it for granted.