I-Day

I'm a patriot. I make no bones about it, even while I loudly criticise whatever I see fit to criticise in the state of my country. And I think it's important to me that my kids learn to love and appreciate their country of origin, wherever life may take them in the future. So, for me, it's important to celebrate occasions like Republic Day and Independence Day. This Jan, I even had Chubbocks sit and watch the Republic day parade, which I remember as a child inspiring me with awe and love.

On I-Day, the colony we live in usually has a flag-hoisting. The folk who show up are mostly either the over 60 or under 10. Those of us in the middle rarely make it, except for the stray couple here and there. A and I have made it a point to attend the flag-hoisting, which is typically followed by the national anthem. Some years, a contingent of the tykes has gotten together with one of the older ladies to prepare and sing some patriotic songs. Since we've had the kids, A and I are all the more determined to make it for the flag hoisting, so we were there this 15th as well, bang on time at 9:25 am.

We ensured that we were all in desi costume, A in a red kurta, Chubbocks in a white chikan hurta and puddi and I in gher-wala skirts. (I must have looked like the Big Top of a circus, at my current girth!). As usual, about 15 oldies were there, along with the head of the security guards and some karamchaaris, as well as about 15 kids of various ages up to 11. Only 3 couples of our age had turned up including us. At exactly 9:30am, the program began with the kids getting the honour of hoisting the flag. One of the old ladies with a melodious voice was waiting to lead us into the national anthem, but the head of security bumbled and started off, to the tune of the Hanuman Chaalisa! That tells you about the quality of education dished out at govt. schools, I suppose.

Put off by his timing, various people started singing the anthem at different times, creating a loud and disharmonious rendering of the Jana Gana Mana...But it still sent a shiver down my spine. Even more, the tape of Vande Mataram which played in the background made me stand straight and tall and feel proud of my country and all that it has done and accomplished in the past, and could do in the future. It sounds crazy, but every time I hear Vande Mataram or the phrase Jai hind, I get an automatic infusion of the patriotic spirit. We've been telling Chubbocks stories about the freedom struggle, though I don't know how much if it he gets at present. But I sure hope all three of my kids grow up with the same deep love for the country flowing through their veins as A and I have.