India, Jan. 26 -- On Republic Day today, actor R Madhavan shares his thoughts on its significance and the evolving identity of Indians globally.

"As a child, celebrating Republic Day meant it's a holiday. There's nothing to be done that day. Nobody can force us to do anything," says Madhavan, adding, "But as you grow up, you understand the value of the day and why it's being celebrated. And so, one way of giving back at the time was to actually go and sing the national anthem, standing in attention, and somehow feeling that you've contributed in paying homage to the multiple people who bravely gave up their lives for the country. That is probably the extent to which Republic Day had relevance in our lives back then."

He adds, "As you gr...