On the radiant occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day, citizens across the nation swelled with pride, a sentiment that was heartily echoed by legendary film icon Amitabh Bachchan in a touching and unique celebration of national solidarity and inclusion. The actor took to social media to extend his wishes to the nation, alongside a video that not only showcased his rendition of India’s national anthem but also featured a group of physically disabled children participating in the performance using sign language.
The compelling visual statement was as heartwarming as it was powerful, with Amitabh Bachchan and the group of children, clad in matching white attire, soulfully interpreting the anthem without uttering a word. The purity of their attire symbolized peace and unity, further enhancing the message of inclusiveness that the actor aimed to convey. The national anthem, a symbol of pride and patriotism in itself, took on an additional dimension of diversity and empathy. Sharing this poignant moment on Republic Day 2024, Amitabh Bachchan captioned the video with the heartfelt words, “Gantantra Diva ki shubhkamnaaye. Jai Hindi.” The phrase, reverberating the actor’s warm wishes in Hindi, translates to “Best wishes on Republic Day. Jai Hindi.”
This video serves as a breathtaking reminder that the spirit of a nation lies in its capacity to embrace all members of society, particularly those who often confront marginalization. It profoundly demonstrates that the essence of patriotism is enriched when expressed through various streams of communication and culture.
In addition to this stirring video, Amitabh Bachchan shared his reflections on the importance of Republic Day and the concept of nationhood in his blog, emphasizing the sentiments that bond a community together through their collective history, traditions, and accomplishments. He eloquently expressed, “National pride is a profound sentiment rooted in love, loyalty, and attachment to one’s country. It embodies a collective identity, uniting citizens through shared history, culture, and achievements.” He continued to explain how this pride is a unifying force, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility among citizens, motivating them to contribute to their nation’s journey toward growth and harmony.
Just earlier in the week, Amitabh Bachchan, along with his son Abhishek Bachchan, was sighted at the auspicious Ram Mandir inauguration, exchanging greetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi amongst the gathered dignitaries. On professional fronts, the actor is gearing up for the release of his upcoming sci-fi action thriller ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ where he stars alongside talents such as Deepika Padukone and Prabhas. Directed by Nag Ashwin, this much-anticipated film will hit the theatres on May 9, creating a buzz of excitement among fans. Also streaming within the dynamic currents of his career is the courtroom drama ‘Section 84’, featuring Diana Penty, set to unveil another dimension of his versatile acting prowess.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Republic Day message with differently-abled children does more than just decorate a moment in history; it weaves into the fabric of the nation an indelible mark of solidarity, respect, and pride. Through this gesture, the film maestro reaffirms not only his status as a beloved national figure but also as an earnest advocate for the inclusivity that forms the bedrock of true national pride. As India steps proudly forward on yet another year as a Republic, it is with the shared joys and aspirations of every Indian, personified by the dignified gestures in sign language and the unspoken words that resonate ‘Jai Hind’ throughout the nation.
