Five things Modi must change about Republic Day

1. Turn January 26 parade into a hi-tech visual spectacle like the French Republic Day. Install cameras in fighter aircraft for aerial shots and drone cameras to capture close shots of tableaux. Faster switching between camera angles, many more cameras at vantage points. Give the parade a feeling of a grand rock concert.

2. Hold competition for best tableaux in every state. Throw open participation to private sector groups as well. Make the tableaux less sarkari. Increase emphasis on innovation in design. Pick designs that have use beyond the parade. A good example is the mechanised lion symbol of the Make in India campaign.

3. Increase aam aadmi's participation in festivities. Most colourful part of the parade is the children's pageant. Excessive focus on military power is a relic of an era gone by. Start laying greater emphasis on people's power.

4. Show more respect and emotion while awarding gallantry awards to widows of our brave soldiers. PM, President and other dignitaries must stand up to receive the relatives of the awardees. Make the winners feel that India respects their valour and is grateful for their sacrifice.

5. Stop shutting down markets and malls on Republic Day. If it is a celebration, it should feel like one. Shutting down everything makes it seem like the nation is in mourning. Let schools, colleges and offices be shut but don't lock everyone indoors. Ensure citizens can go out and celebrate Republic Day.