Independence Day

Wow, today's a holiday because...its a Saturday. Added to the fact that its also the 62nd Independence Day, the day in which all the blood, sweat and tears of the revolutionary leaders who swore to end the injustice brought upon our country by the British came to fruition - it was on this day that India had broken free from the chains of colonialism and became a democratic republic. And it just so happens that its on a Saturday.

Is it too much to ask for a holiday on a weekday?

Well then, Independence Day is not just another holiday, its the day you are reminded that the indelible ink which is on the nail of my left forefinger is a result of a bitter struggle to be given the freedom of choosing a ruler of our choice. But even if we wanted to be reminded of such a thought, we have so little ways. How many TV channels broadcast shows that are patriotic? Its Kuselan on Kalaignar TV as I am typing this now. No one knows how many good patriotic movies came out in Tamil since the time of Sivaji. At least the Bollywood has Rang De Basanti to brag about. What do we have? Vijay Kanth?

Movies aren't the only way to express our patriotism, but what about books? Even in school, Indian history is given in detail up to the point of our freedom struggle but after that? Not much on the Indian role in formation of Bangladesh. Very little about the Indo-China war and the Kargil war. How many of us know that our national anthem was made official only on 1950 eventhough our country became independent in 1947?

Its sickening when you think about all of this, how easily we forget these things, things which had a huge impact on us even when we weren't a part if them...about how much it meant to those who took part in the struggle and how it has become a casual holiday.

I know that I sound preachy but when I think about all this, this is all I can be.

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Many thanks to the Chairman of my wonderful college who didn't listen to the government's announcement of holidays on Thursday and Friday. You've been a real pain in the ass.

Ciao