Today's India's Independence day! We are 59 years old now. Despite all the cynicism and apprehensions on where we are headed, it's time to look back. We have definitely progressed - may be not as fast as Ashoka's chakra is supposed to have - but still we won freedom on this day. The famous Tryst with destiny was delivered by Nehru on this day.
Independence day could mean so many different things to different kinds and types of people. To many poor people, it might not just mean anything. To the poor and unaware, it might not even make sense. To the ultra-rich, it means a day to recover from last night's hangover. To the political class, it's day to deliver big promises of words and garlands on the thousands statutes. To the Armed forces, it's a day of pride and hoisting the tricolour. To the middle class child, it means a proud moment at school and a little sweet distribution.
The day means different to various people because the country or the nation itself means so many different things. But one thing in common to all people, who live in the country, who were born in the country, who have even visited the country - India is this nearness to life! It's this land of uncertainity - a roller coaster ride. It can take you up on a such high one moment only to drop you down to feel like an inward spiral. It's a land of enormous beauty and charming people, to a country mis-governed and wronged by so many rulers.
The day is to remember the sacrifice of a generation - of Gandhi's leadership and Nehru's statesmanship and of all the millions of grand fathers and grand mothers who gave their everything to see the light at the end of the tunnel of foreign rule. Parts of Northern India(Delhi region) were free for the first time in 800 years on this day!
Saulte to the motherland! Vande Mataram!
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