Celebrating Independence

15th August, Independence Day

My country is my home, my birth place, my mother. People ask, why celebrate I-Day, when there’s so much that’s not right here. “Look at other countries they say, look at China, look at the States, where is the reason to cheer. India, is not going anywhere, I tell you.”

The trouble is, even if the other’s house is good, better than mine, i don’t go and start living there. All I should, infact I’ve to do is something to make my home at par my ideals.

I didn’t do much this 15th. Watched a few patriotic movies, read a lot and bothered Dee with all that gyan, plus relaxed a bit too. Morning onwards, sms’ flowed in, showcasing the best of pop-patriotism on offer. I didn’t reply. If I’ve to remember our country on three national holidays only, then sorry, am not a part of it. I’ll celebrate truly when I’ve done something for India.

Apart from living for oneself, friends & families, we do very little for the society at large. We’ll do something someday soon. How touching.

Still, there is much to be celebrated. A celebration that stems somewhere from deep within the heart.

This celebration is not of our faults as a nation, not of the poverty, hunger & misery present in so many parts of this country… the celebration is of still being one despite all odds. The celebration is of the hope that still burns bright. This celebration is simply of being an Indian.

Here is a famous poem by Shri Ram Prasad Bismil, one of the most reverred freedom fighters who gave their life for the ideal called India. As you all know my translation skills, I’ll request a kind soul to do the needful.

“Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.
Dekhna hai zor kitna baazuay qaatil mein hai
Karta nahin kyun doosra kuch baat cheet,
Dekhta hun main jise voh chup teri mehfil mein hai
Aye shaheed-e-mulk-o-millat main tere oopar nisaar,
Ab teri himmat ka charcha ghair ki mehfil mein hai
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.

Waqt aanay pey bata denge tujhe aye aasman,
Hum abhi se kya batayen kya hamare dil mein hai
Khainch kar layee hai sab ko qatl hone ki ummeed,
Aashiqon ka aaj jumghat koocha-e-qaatil mein hai
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.

Hai liye hathiyaar dushman taak mein baitha udhar,
Aur hum taiyyaar hain seena liye apna idhar.
Khoon se khelenge holi gar vatan muskhil mein hai,
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.

Haath jin mein ho junoon katt te nahi talvaar se,
Sar jo uth jaate hain voh jhukte nahi lalkaar se.
Haath jin mein ho junoon katt te nahi talvaar se,
Sar jo uth jaate hain voh jhukte nahi lalkaar se.
Aur bhadkega jo shola-sa humaare dil mein hai,
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.

Hum to ghar se nikle hi the baandhkar sar pe qafan,
Chaahatein liin bhar liye lo bhar chale hain ye qadam.
Zindagi to apni mehmaan maut ki mehfil mein hai,
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.

Dil mein tuufaanon ki toli aur nason mein inquilaab,
Hosh dushman ke udaa denge humein roko na aaj.
Duur reh paaye jo humse dam kahaan manzil mein hai,
Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai.
Dekhna hai zor kitna baazuay qaatil mein hai.”

Those were the people. Of all things, this is a celebration for them. And for me.