Ain’t we taking some things for granted? Little things like democracy, freedom and India herself? Is patriotism becoming the ‘buzz word’ for two days in the year only? Do we have time for India amongst our so busy lives?
My mother sometimes narrates how my Nanaji (Maternal Grandfather) celebrated this day. For him, Jan. 26th coupled with Aug. 15th were the two most important days in the whole year. On this day he would go to the Rajpath to watch the parade in the morning. Coming back he would motivate the reluctant household in to a celebratory mode, nah, not the household but the whole neighrbourhood was seen celebrating the day with him. Distributing sweets, coaxing Naniji to prepare ‘Gajar ka Halwa’, telling children the importance of the occasion and feeling one with the soul of India.
Sometimes, I feel we’ve lost it somewhere. That umblical cord which bound us to our nation is being severed. We are like the children who feel all grown-up now, remembring our mother only on certain dates in the calendar. Why have we become like that?
Born in New Delhi, India in 1980 and is a retired pessimist (still) living in New Delhi. He has Haryanvi ancestors, a Punjabi girlfriend, friends all over the world, two (or more) yet to be born children, (many) memories of (many) pet dogs and no cats ever. He holds an honours degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi and creates advertisements for paying the bills. His interests are universal, and include: living, eating, sleeping and when not sleeping, daydreaming. Other abiding interests include reading, writing, street photography, newspaper editorials, watching the moon and planning trekking trips that never materialize.
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