On the 15th of this month India celebrates the 62nd year of Independence . 62 years of economic struggle after a long 200 years and more of freedom struggle. I live in the national capital and Independence Day celebration in New Delhi is a different experience altogether. Euphoria intoxicates the atmosphere as days countdown to independence day. This is second time I am celebrating the national holiday in capital. This year things are different with terror strikes like 26/11 in Mumbai, the recession and finally the swine flu.
the spirit of India
The image best describes our feeling while celebrating Independence Day. We are free but our wings are not so strong to take us high into the skies of development. Terrorism still plagues our freedom and it symbolized by the barbed wire. The bird you would notice is choking (not singing). That is because Economy is strangling and euphoria in the air is poisoned with swine flu scare. When we are advised to stay away from crowds and use masks and I wonder what would be the scene at Red Fort this year. All dignitaries will be having surgical masks on and the public would have handkerchiefs on their faces. It would probably be a tough job for security people if there is some anti-national lurking in the crowd. The marching battalions will also be masked as we can’t risk our defense to fall prey to swine flu. Security is beefed up in the city hence we cannot park our cars in the parking lots. Shops close early so we cannot shop.
But even then the Great Indian spirit lives on and we are all set to celebrate our 62nd independence day. Long live the Indian Spirit. Vande Mataram.
Credits: I thank Mr Mohd Saqib,(graphic designer) my friend and colleague for the image. He translated my thoughts into image with ease.
