15th Aug, 2012
Isn't it after a good 6-7 yrs that I stand next to a tricolor flag on Independence day? I ask myself.
It's time for the flag hoisting in our society. The blue sky has nicely patterned itself with the bright white clouds. The rains have taken a break from their monsoon routine. The folks are gathering in the amphitheater for the ceremony. It is very refreshing to see people coming out dressed in white, saffron, green and blending together as one. The kids are running around and making sure everybody has a tricolor sticker to display.
It's 9:30 am. The society guards stand in front of the pillar. Their leader gives a shout for attention and we all stand up. The chairman performs the hoisting. The wrapped up flowers make their way out in the open, tagging along with the winds to unknown destinations. The gallant 'Jana-Gana- Mana' pitches high. The flag stretches freely embracing the winds. I realize it's splendor.
For the past many years I was in US. Living today in India, I'm not shy to negotiate with the vendors wondering how they might judge me. I don't have to avoid strange stares if I dress up all ethnic and walk out in a mall. I can indulge endlessly in the mouthwatering street foods. I don't fear violating some rules if I park my car in a street for some emergency pick-up. I enjoy the spirit of people riding their bikes and getting drenched in monsoons again and again. I can feel the freedom of thoughts, of actions and of spirit. I understand why I felt like an alien all these years.
There are still many challenges, many let downs that plague our country today. Traffic. Pollution. Electricity cut-outs...
My drift of thought ends as my daughter pokes my leg. She wants to be picked up to get a better view of the flag. I realize she is trying to sync her lips to 'Jai Hai, Jai Hai'...I show her how to salute the flag. The national anthem ends but it's resonance leaves our hearts delighted, proud and peaceful. This is how it feels to be in familiarity, to be in one's motherland.
I can feel Independence after a long time. It is one of the best feelings in a lifetime!
It's time for the flag hoisting in our society. The blue sky has nicely patterned itself with the bright white clouds. The rains have taken a break from their monsoon routine. The folks are gathering in the amphitheater for the ceremony. It is very refreshing to see people coming out dressed in white, saffron, green and blending together as one. The kids are running around and making sure everybody has a tricolor sticker to display.
It's 9:30 am. The society guards stand in front of the pillar. Their leader gives a shout for attention and we all stand up. The chairman performs the hoisting. The wrapped up flowers make their way out in the open, tagging along with the winds to unknown destinations. The gallant 'Jana-Gana- Mana' pitches high. The flag stretches freely embracing the winds. I realize it's splendor.
For the past many years I was in US. Living today in India, I'm not shy to negotiate with the vendors wondering how they might judge me. I don't have to avoid strange stares if I dress up all ethnic and walk out in a mall. I can indulge endlessly in the mouthwatering street foods. I don't fear violating some rules if I park my car in a street for some emergency pick-up. I enjoy the spirit of people riding their bikes and getting drenched in monsoons again and again. I can feel the freedom of thoughts, of actions and of spirit. I understand why I felt like an alien all these years.
There are still many challenges, many let downs that plague our country today. Traffic. Pollution. Electricity cut-outs...
My drift of thought ends as my daughter pokes my leg. She wants to be picked up to get a better view of the flag. I realize she is trying to sync her lips to 'Jai Hai, Jai Hai'...I show her how to salute the flag. The national anthem ends but it's resonance leaves our hearts delighted, proud and peaceful. This is how it feels to be in familiarity, to be in one's motherland.
I can feel Independence after a long time. It is one of the best feelings in a lifetime!
No comments:
Post a Comment