Our Independence Day today!

India celebrates its 63rd Independence Day today. No matter where we are, we begin the day with flag hoisting and playing the national anthem. When we were little kids and we had only Doordarshan – one channel on TV, we would dutifully watch the PM’s speech and also the Manoj Kumar-brand of patriotic songs. The songs composed in the 70’s and 80’s have such meaningful lyrics even today. I think it is one day ( Republic Day is another) when we feel patriotic and feel a lot of respect for what our country has given us.

I think in today’s times when religions, languages, castes etc. are pulling us apart and making us hate each other, there are days like these when we feel as one irrespective of our differences. This country of ours is steeped in such diversity and has such few things holding it together that we need more days like this one.

And, frankly one realizes the worth of one’s own country when one goes away from it. Meet an Indian in a foreign land, watch an Indian movie, eat home-cooked Indian food and that is as soothing as it can get. It is easy for us to get cynical and point out the flaws or problems we face. If only we all became a bit less belligerent and a bit more respectful of our differences, things would be so much better. This country gives us the resources and freedom to do as we wish, to question and debate, to live and love the way we like and we embrace all religions and causes with open arms. Even today, our family values are our strongest strength. And, why do we make such a song and dance of it because that is the way we are – boisterous and always needing an excuse to break out into a dance or a song 🙂

My salute to the freedom we have today and to all those who helped us get it. We remember today all those men on the border who lay down their lives so that ours are protected every single day.