On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, entrepreneur Gauravv Saxena shared his thoughts on the nation’s journey and what the day means to him.

“To me, India today feels like a powerhouse that has finally found its rhythm. Having spent nearly a decade in Uganda and recently returning to Mumbai, I see the country through a unique lens. We are no longer just developing, we are leading. From our digital infrastructure to our growing global influence, India today stands as a confident and resilient nation,” he said.

Describing India as a blend of tradition and modernity, he added, “In my eyes, India is a beautiful paradox. It is deeply rooted in ancient spirituality, like the peace I felt during the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, and at the same time it is racing towards a high tech future.”

Recalling his childhood memories of Republic Day, Gauravv shared, “As a kid, the day had a special kind of magic. I remember waking up early to patriotic songs playing in the neighbourhood. Watching the parade on television, the colourful tableaus from different states and the thrilling motorcycle stunts was always the highlight. In school, the flag hoisting ceremony and the packet of sweets that followed made us feel proud to be Indians.”

Speaking about the perception of the day as just a holiday, he said, “For many, January 26 has become a welcome break from the nine to five routine. But even if people are not attending parades, there is still a collective sense of Indianness in the air. This freedom to relax and celebrate was earned through the vision of those who gave us our Constitution, and we must remember our duties as citizens.”

Sharing what he loves most about the country, Gauravv concluded, “The first is the spirit of resilience. There is an unstoppable energy in India, whether it is the hustle of Mumbai or the way people come together in difficult times. The second is our cultural diversity. Travel a few hundred kilometres and everything changes, the language, the food, the lifestyle. This unity in diversity is the soul of India and a constant source of inspiration for me.”