Resumo de Independence Day

he other day I was watching the popular Hindi movie K3G ?("Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham" for those who are at a loss with the new trend of chemical-formulae-like titles) for the umpteenth time. I could identify with the character of Kajol who makes a concerted effort to instill Indian values in her son. The scene where she is overjoyed to hear her son sing "Jana Gana Mana" probably touched the heartstrings of many Indian immigrants. Although not many of us succeed in teaching our children the Indian national anthem, the fact remains that it evokes a powerful sense of belonging as well as nostalgia.

Some people contend that Rabindranath Tagore wrote India?s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, in honor of King George V and the Queen of England when they visited India in 1919. They argue that to honor the royal visitors Pundit Motilal Nehru had the five stanzas included, which are in praise of the King and Queen. Even though some people prefer that "Vande Maataram" be sung as the national anthem, the latter continues to be the preferred national song. Over the years it has evolved into a staunch carrier of the collective patriotic consciousness of a billion people.

In the days leading up to yet another August 15, I found myself reminiscing about my favorite memories associated with the day. As a schoolgirl, I remember Independence Day as a festive occasion for one and all. There was something in the air that particular day that evoked a sense of pride at the sight of the tricolor. The elaborate preparations would begin weeks in advance - after-school rehearsals for plays and marching drills. Having a hard taskmaster as the PE teacher made the Parade rehearsals somewhat dreadful.

From getting the uniforms crisply ironed to polishing those white sneakers and going to bed early only to wake up at dawn, Independence Day was anything but ordinary. Remarkably, in addition to the brand new flag ready to be unfurled would be the tricolor paper banners strung all over the school yard. The early morning breeze, the fresh flowers, and cleanly dressed people ? everything would add up to the excitement of the day. After paying our respects to the flag, we would march all across the town chanting patriotic slogans: Jab tak sooraj chand rahega, bharat tera naam rahega; East or West, India is the best; Mera Bharat Mahaan; Jhanda ooncha rahe hamaara etc. All the hard work preceding the celebrations would be forgotten with the delicious treats that were handed out after the parade. If the event was graced by the presence of a "Neta" (political leader), the students would be rewarded with even richer delicacies like ghee-dripping laddoos and pedaas!

How can anyone forget the patriotic songs from films blaring from the loudspeakers in every neighborhood?! My personal favorites were Lata Mangeshkar's superlative number "Ey mere watan ke logon" and Mahendra Kapoor's ever popular "Mere desh ki dharti". The patriotic tones of these two melodious songs still carry me away. One Independence Day, I happened to be on a long train journey. I kept count of the flags that I saw being being unfurled and the rendering of the national anthem accompanying each unfurling. It was quite overwhelming, to put it simply.

However, I must admit that since coming to America, India's Independence Day evokes just a semblance of the excitement of years past. Amid our busy lives, all the once-familiar sights and sounds of the day return only as memories. Although we have left India in pursuit of the great American dream, for many of us, our roots remain seeped in saffron, white and green. The most we can do is mark the day by attending the local India Day Parades led by visiting Indian film stars and beauty queens.

Resumos Relacionados