August 15th-Independence Day



August 15, Independence Day-This is the 66th Independence day India would celebrate on August15, 2012

My speech for Independence Day Celebrations in the school would begin like this "On 15 August 1947, India attained freedom from the British Rule. Every year, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day in India. This national festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country"......

All the students dressed in sparkling white uniforms, with no bags and books would stand in a row class wise.

One side would be NCC Cadets in best of their uniforms and caps up (we had boys NCC in our school). National Cadet Corp-NCC a part of defense wing training school and college students. I had mistaken them as Police wing and tease my brothers who were in NCC too.

Then, our school principal would hoist the Tri-colour flag, and we all would salute the Flag and sing the song
"Janda Unccha RAhe Hamara"..

Then of course usual speeches on the importance of Independence Day by selected students in Hindi and English, some group songs.

Finally sweet packages would be distributed and back home. On the way, I could see Flag hoisted in every nook and corner. Songs of Independence struggle would be played on the loud speakers.

Other day, my son came home and was discussing about poster making for Independence day and questioned me Have we really got Independence? I could not answer as his question really made me think. Independence in what ways and for whom???

He said, "Mummy, we have got Independence from British but not real Independence from our own people".

How true!!! We are still struggling and the flight is on against Corruption, Inequality, Right to Uniform Education and health, Right to Walk, Right to speech and all other rights that is given in our constitutions.

Nowadays, students hardly go to school to celebrate Independence Day- They call it a Holiday. So, also on TV channels all air interviews on Film star-they work out, diet, film offers and so on... WHAT IS THIS TO DO WITH INDEPENDENCE DAY...

There are people who are engaged in some sort of service towards the society. They are the real heroes -why not good interactive documentary film on them be made and also be available to all age groups and let the service of such people be known to all and inspire others than the film stars coming on a talk show with black glass on posing before the cameras and talking nonsense.

It is important to make children to know the struggle for Independence, and how to safeguard our Independence. This can be done by organizing group songs, dance , folklores like Burra katha, Oggu katha, Puppetry, Haridasa Katha, and other oral narratives  highlighting the importance of our rich culture, heritage and art forms through which people were inspired towards Independence struggle in those days.

But this year India has reasons to celebrate as India has won SIX MEDALS IN OLYMPICS LONDON 2012!!





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