Independence Day

As the beautiful Indian tri-colour rolls down and then embraces the wind, I get totally soaked into these glimpses from the Freedom struggle. Saluting all those who played a part, big or small. But then there are some voices in the crowd that pull me back. "This sudden burst of patriotism once a year makes no sense!". "Where is this spirit and fervour rest of the time?", they ask angrily.

To these voices, I say, dear you, why do you think this spirit and fervour only magically appears today? It is not so. We all love our country and fellow citizens. This very spirit and fervour comes out in different ways every single day through our actions and gestures. But what is wrong in celebrating it together on one designated day. It helps to reaffirm the faith of those, who have for some uncanny reason, started to doubt it. So if you think that you not going to the flag hoisting ceremony does not change anything, think again. It does.

Once again saluting those who fought for freedom. But now it is our responsibility to take forward the struggle. 

Taking the liberty to quote my friend Hrishikesh Utpat who has wonderfully summed it up

"Here's a (seemingly) simple request - if we really mean all that we say in our Fb posts, let us do this one thing. Let us all strive to be better and more responsible citizens. Let us be mindful of those around us. Let us learn to respect women. Let us care about the way we drive in traffic. Let us care about how much water & electricity we waste. Let us not litter in the streets. Let us care about our environment. Let us learn to be tolerant and respectful of everyone. Let us be more rational."