Why not have a National Week Celebration every year?
In India, unless the Government acts, nothing can be done. In this connection, a suggestion that can be considered is to have a National Week Celebration, possibly during the period of Jan 14 to 21, during which the Sankranti festival is held in most parts of India.This can be done through cultural exchange. The idea is to encourage National Integration and this can be done in four major districts of every state, by organizing cultural festivals. Everything should be done in a systematic manner. For example, apart from the five Southern States, Tamil Nadu can host Orissa and Bengal in 2024 and then move on to host Chattisgarh and say, Punjab in 2025. The next round goes to Karnataka which hosts two other States apart from the five South Indian States and so on. The States can have collaborative efforts and the special trains will have sponsors at various stations, where volunteers can serve the passengers food and so on.
There should be sponsors at the places where the cultural functions are held and the entire week should have a variety of cultural programs of the participating States, and even some lessons on the basics of the different languages through YouTube videos and so on. Food fairs showcasing different food items can also be held. Cooks can be brought from different areas and the different types of food should be cooked and served at very reasonable prices.
Of course, the planning and execution should be done through several committees and this can be done with clockwise precision.
We need such celebrations, far more than the stage-managed declarations or voices about National Integration.
