Indian Independence Day

and so not everything is perfect about India too. There are things that need change. But I have always believed in working ‘with’ strengths and working ‘on’ weaknesses. So instead of standing on the sidelines and commenting and complaining, get in there and make the difference you want seen.

By: Poornima Menon

15th August 1947, a red lettered day indeed. Many lives were lost and many taken before we could proudly call the tricolour our own, before India was freed from colonial rule. While there were many winners, there were many losers as well. Before the British left the Indian soil, they decided to drench her in blood one last time. The country was unceremoniously divided, displacing families, separating loved ones and tearing people apart. And this move created the divide, the chasm that continues to widen as India celebrates the 76th anniversary of 15th August 1947. While most people of the two nations would like to build a bridge of friendship and bring back the days when all lived together harmoniously, there are some who thrive on propagating hate and taking lives. Unfortunately that small minority seems to be winning and that small minority seems to be defining all relationships.

15th August without a shadow of a doubt is a day to celebrate as there are many reasons to celebrate. And amidst all the celebrations let us spare a thought for those who lost their family members, with the home they had so lovingly built no longer theirs as it was on the ‘other side’ of the border. For me 15 August is a date in history when the country I call my motherland became her own and then she became my own. Living on foreign soil I am very proud of my roots, about what my country of birth has achieved and her strong forward thrust in many fields, giving the ‘developed’ nations a run for their money. We don’t live in a perfect world global mobility, exchange of knowledge and ideas, equality and cooperation, freedom of speech, elimination of poverty and corruption. For me - The standards we walk past are the standards we accept. It’s time to get India to global standards with its potential and talent, time to move from ‘developing’ to ‘developed’.”

I spoke to a few of the expatriate Indians who are also friends. These are people who are proud Indian Australians and are making the country of their origin proud by making meaningful contributions in their adopted country.

Kala Philip, is the CEO of BSI Learning and for her, “Indian Independence Day , 15th August 1947 was freedom from colonialism, oppression and exploitation. It was the opportunity to build free India, a democratic and secular nation with its people and inspiring leaders. My memory of that moment and vision was strong during my childhood years. Amongst the wonderful achievements over the last 75 years, there is also a huge amount of work to be done. The new generation strives for

Rupa Parthasarathy is Creative Director of Mindkeshtra, an art clinic that focusses on managing mental health through art. She says, “ Independence Day to me symbolises a day to commemorate and acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices generations before us underwent collectively to secure our individual rights. It is also a day to celebrate the collective power of unity.”

Dipika Gandhi is a homemaker and a great community supporter who participates and contributes in many meaningful ways. According to her, “Independence Day to me is a day where we celebrate the freedom fighters, acknowledge the sacrifices made, and embrace our patriotic spirit. However far we are from the motherland, and regardless of what nation we reside in, it is a day when the tricolour soars high, and binds all Indians together. Our national anthem echoes across continents, jalebis are shared across different communities, and parades and cultural events highlight our diversity. It is also a day which takes us down memory lane. I still remember my school flag hoisting, singing ‘Jana Gana Mana’ that rose to crescendo. It is a day where we can celebrate the strong Indian communities we have built on foreign shores. Today, in Australia, 15th August sees some famous monuments illuminated in the tricolours symbolising the strong friendship and respect between the two countries. 15th August marks the birth of India. But it fundamentally represents so much more – it’s a day to express our culture, diversity, recognise the heroic acts that provide us pride in being an Indian.” eran’s wife has this to say, “ While Indian Independence Day is ceremoniously celebrated every year around the world to remember the freedom movement and the sacrifice of our fellow Indians , for me it’s a time to reflect . Immigrants are often told they abandoned the country. I wouldn’t agree and after being a military family for more than 2 decades , no one can better understand what service to the nation means and how it is above all. I’m probably more an Indian here in Australia than I was in India with a great Indian community and upholding my cultural heritage and values. Now Independence Day is all about reminiscing about my country , celebrating the freedom of democracy, and renewing my affection for the country. And no matter which part of the world you are , the recital of the National anthem will continue to give one goosebumps and bring a tear to the eyes. Patriotism resides in the heart and not in geographical locations.”

While 15th August is a day of great importance to all Indians no matter where they reside and all of them enjoy the common celebrations of hoisting the flag, the speeches that follow and the festivities after, at a more deeper level the day has different meanings for different people and the significance of this day can not be described in a linear, one dimensional way. It is multifaceted and multi dimensional.

What does this day, 15th August mean to you ?