France To Observe Bastille Day

On July 14, France is going to observe the national holiday of the Bastille Day, for which the nation is gearing up readily in preparation to celebrate the path breaking day in the history of the modern world. This day is not just acknowledged by the French people alone; its significance is spread amidst the whole world. This is the day that has given the world the present face of ‘freedom’ and ‘rights’ and had ushered in a new era of modernization.

This year, India is going to get a share of history by being a part of the military parade event at the Bastille Day celebrations. A contingent of 400 are going to be a part of the parade on the day and march down the Champs Elysees in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. France has been building closer ties with India and is seeking to sign contracts to supply weapons and civilian nuclear technology. The parade will also be featuring French units who have recently returned from their operations in countries like Afghanistan and Lebanon.

On July 14, 1789, a group of enraged Parisians had advanced in to the famous fortress prison of Bastille in France, that was known to have housed the influential prisoners, in order to seize ammunition from the imperial army. The daring heist was performed in an act of defiance against the cruelty and tyranny of the monarchical oppression. At the moment of the invasion, there were around seven prisoners in the prison compound. No commendable feat was lost in impact as not much could be achieved from the advent. However, what it did do was, mark off the start of the French Revolution. A page in world history, that completely changed the course of the world.