Independence Day

Independence day. I remember it as a day when I used to rush to school early morning to witness the flag hoisting, collect Eclairs toffees in school along with the flag to be pinned to my school shirt, come back home and watch the repeat telecast of the Independence Day program on Doordarshan. And, my day was done. Usual homeworks, lots of reading for final exams, washing my cycle, polishing my shoes for the next day school occupied me for the rest of the day. This was it. My Independence Day.

Today is Independence Day again. My day started over various facebook comments, newspaper articles, one or two Independence Day messages (because sms costs today), various  first-time recently-released movies on numerous television channels, forgot the most important part, caught up with lost sleep....just another leave on the calendar after continuous working days. So,  Am I celebrating the freedom? What patriotism have I displayed today? What does independence mean to me? And, most importantly am I independent today?

I stay with a bunch of girls who work with various top MNCs. We are all the so-called today's urban women, who live in posh localities, hold the best of gadgets, dine at the best restaurants/luxury hotels, wear the just-in clothes. So, are we independent? Are we free in this so-called male dominated society? Are we treated same as our male counterparts at home and work?

I happen to walk along a lane to reach my office. On my way I see a tribal family set-up their 'home' along the footpath where I am supposed to walk. But they are happily enjoying their meal (Was it a meal?) with their all-dirty kids half-dressed/naked playing around. So, have we attained freedom from poverty? Are we all living the glory of a 'free' India? Are we all helping each other 'grow'? Aren't we donating enough money to avoid tax?

I am still contemplating on this when I suddenly browse across the movie, Chak De India and the spirit of patriotism was visible from my excitement and occasional screams. My Independence Day ended with a fresh episode of KBC hearing the mesmerising thunderous voice of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. I settle on my bed agreeing to the fact that I had a peaceful day without any burden of compromises, at least for the day. The latter part to be stressed of course. I realize we are free to an extent and we deserve this independence as a tribute to our freedom fighters. Hence, I conclude we are better-off than our elders 64 years before. Jai Hind!

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