Independence Day 2010

The school circular informed that parents to take their seats at 8.15 a.m. on 15th August 2010. The invitation was extended to parents of children who had distinguished themselves academically the previous school year and were being honored with “scholar badges’ for the achievement. I parked in the swampy parking lot, still mushy from the heavy night rain, and gingerly made my way to the school compound where the seating arrangements had been made. I was welcomed with enthusiastic waving from one section of the children and found Aparna’s friends giggling and waving happily.

As is customary, we waited for the chief guest, the boredom punctuated by sounds of tricolor balloons going “bust” at regular intervals, followed by nervous laughter from the kids. Finally the dignitaries arrived, were introduced and welcomed with bouquets. Surprisingly, the chief guest was a prominent woman from the media, who was disabled and moved around in a wheelchair. The invited guests moved towards the flag pole and hoisted the flag. As they were showered with petals, the national anthem played in the background. Kids stood with their hands saluting the flag, seriously contemplating the notion of freedom in a nation celebrating 64 years of independence. In a few minutes, the somber moment passed. Chairs scraped against concrete as the audience settled back into viewing positions.

I marveled at the power of a simple ceremony to invoke feelings of patriotism. It had been years since I had taken the trouble to witness a flag-hoisting event. Having lived abroad for many years, I felt very much Indian but did not feel the need for a community event to make me aware of my nationality. I respected Independence Day celebrations of all countries, a fight for nationhood as a legitimate cause for unity. We take freedom for granted, and seldom stop to appreciate the benefits that it offers us. We assume we can complain about what is not well, a privilege inherent in the democratic form of government that we practice; however flawed the system may be today.

It is necessary for children to come together to salute the nation on the days that hold significance. But it is imperative that adults come together to make these ceremonies more meaningful by their participation.

Shown above are some of the creations of school children participating in a competition titled "Tirangaa"on 15 August 2010.