When you are in school, there aren't too many options. When its the morning assembly, you have to line up and recite the prayers, whether you like it or not. When its 15th August, you have to come to school for the flag hoisting, and recite the national anthem.
The idea behind this compulsion, is that when your a kid, you don't have the common sense and the moral/civic responsibility to do so voluntarily. It is expected that when you grow up, you do. But thats really not the case.
One of the negatives of having a choice, is being able to make the wrong one.
Junior college, professional college and then the place where you work... all have the flag hoisting ceremony on 15th August. But none make it compulsory. And you dont end up going. Excuses range from wanting to sleep in because of a tight schedule, or having other ways to respect the flag, or simply being out of town on vacation.
From 1996 (my last year in school), till date I havent attended a single flag hoisting ceremony. Because I had a choice not to. This year, and last night, I really dont know why I changed my mind, but I felt like I had to go. It could be the Mumbai Terror Attack, or the recession, or the drought, or the swine flu.I just felt the need to be a part of, and show some unity to no-one in particular, but everybody in general.
So I went. Surprisingly, the actual ceremony wasnt really awe-inspiring. There was the hoisting of the flag, the singing of the national anthem and a speech or two. But standing there, silently with hundreds of others, I finally understood why people gathered on 15th August for just 15 minutes.
In the turbulent times that we live in, we need to find such occasions to come together. To silently share pain, joys and sorrow. To make new resolutions, and to try and not break old ones. To look at our flag with new respect. To actually sing the anthem and mean every word.
And most importantly, to celebrate and understand our independence. Jai Hind.
2 comments:
Proud to be an indian:).
Yes.... :-)
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