Independence

Its Sun TV that reminded me about Independence Day this year. I remember my childhood years when we all adorned our white uniforms and the carefully polished canvas shoes every August 15th to go to school briefly for an hour. There was always a speech on independence, followed by chocolate distribution, the 10 ps (sigh, those days) chocolates were so precious at that point. As we sung "Sare Jahan Se Acha, Hindustan Hamara," we used to gloat as though we were right beside Gandhiji struggling for our independence. There was some cultural attraction or the other followed by prize distribution and a march past that we tried to escape out of. We used to come back right in time for the flag hoisting in Red Fort. That was a big family event where all of us settled right in front of the TV listening awestruck to the 21 gun salute every year and the President's speech. Immediately after that, there was a big line of contests planned for by the Youth Association in our colony, winning a prize or two was our sole motive. Later, they introduced a blood donation camp, and following a big fight with my dad and convincing him that they use disposable needles, we used to go donate blood. In short, August 15th of our childhood was festive in every way possible.

28 years later, I look at the preview of the Independence Day events on Sun TV, and there is a long list of reviews of all the movies released on that day. Something got skewed along the way. In the USA, every July 4 since 1776 is a celebration where everyone in the county gathers in their local park for a fireworks display. The fireworks are the same every year, but its the spirit which drags all of us into the local parks, waiting for an hour to park and an hour to get settled in a corner. More than the festivities, thats one moment where our heart fills with appreciation for our ancestors who fought so hard and the feeling of oneness among everyone gathered. More importantly, it really feels like we belong to our country. I sincerely ask every reader (if anyone ever reads this) to dedicate that 1 day in a year to gather with your neighbours and celebrate our independence by just being together and i you want to stretch it, help the less forunate. If we don't appreciate our freedom, then who else would?