"Thank God India became independent"--me to my friend, welcoming the much awaited holiday
On the day that marks 61 years of India's independence, I think we need to take another look at what we, as Indians, really think of it. For most of us, doesn't it just mean a welcome holiday? How many of us actually think of the heroic history that led to it? Not many. And is it really our fault? After all, we live ages after it happened, and today we see India as we know her: critically, and yes, even proudly. The past is just a story, a chapter that finds its place in history text books. That is not to say we're not proud of the country; but I guess we're just less patriotic. No longer does the country come above everything else.
The question is, does our attitude need to change?
I, for one, don't feel very patriotic today. I spent my morning cheering for Switzerland over India in the Olympics (while Dad kept giving me the stink-eye). But it would have been extremely hypocritical if I'd suddenly stopped supporting the guy I always say I love etc etc, just because he was playing Lee-Hesh, right?
But I'm not exactly sorry India lost. Oh well.
6 comments:
Seriously. Thank God India lost that match. I would have been so embarrassed of being Indian had they won. *nudge* *wink*
And uh, your friend, uh, is pretty quotable herself you know.
Ok there's no parade on Independence day. But still it was a weird day. This song though...
i was just about to say that-
"there's no parade on Independence day"
Hi five Nidhi!
and yes i do care about this country... even before we did Shadow Lines. we're a little messed up but no country's perfect!
and of course the holidays help keep up the patriotic meter! ;)
Patriotism? nope...felt absolutely nothin on independence day. just a friday off.
@ The Keeper of the Keys and
@ Babbitty Rabbitty
@ Wild Iris
TRAITORS!
Reading this post, a realization crosses my mind.
The tough task it will be for future administrators of this country,
with public as second rate as yours.
@nids: *wink* *nudge* :P
@bab: I'm not saying I don't care about my country at all, duh. Of course I do; I was only trying to analyse how we view the 15th of August in general. But not many people seemed to wana reply...
And yes, the parade, my bad. I meant the PM and Prezzie's speeches etc with the flag hoisting. :)
@thor: Hey, why? I gave the reason after all! Dont you think it's valid?
@mysoulmythots: Um, why're we second rate? I mean, do you honestly go around hoisting flags or singing the anthem all day on Aug 15th? If you do, then hats off to you. But if we don't, it doesnt mean we hate our country or anything. You grasp the difference?
nah, sheetal madan goes and publishes her chats with her bf on group blogs. which is why she is not second rate. she's so third rate. fourth maybe.
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