It's been a long time since I attended a school celebrating the independence day. Once out of the high school, there was no much of compulsion to celebrate august 15. The enthusiasm of the NCC parade practice, preparing for those debate competition or sports days. Gone are those days, when we were so keen to pluck flowers and make garlands to adorn the national leaders. At least, to sought "Bharat Maata ki Jaai" slogan, amidst those street processions.
We didn't have mandatory independence day celebration in pre-university or college. It was just a holiday from the regular hectic class days. A relief with some parade watching and patriotic movies on television.
Then came, work life. Here holidays are most wanted from hectic work days. By then, the wireless telecom revolution has taken our lives to SMSing in every occasion. So most of the days are celebrated by forwarding "feel-good" patriotic messages. Even, celebrating Independence day as Happy B'day to mother INDIA!
But this year it was a little different then all the previous ones I had encountered. This time, I went to a school, sang the national anthem with quite a few folks, ages ranging from 5-50, and belonging to every strata of contemporary India. Yes, it was in the MV foundation's Residence bridge school. Qualcomm sponsors for operations of the same. So we went to celebrate August 15 with the school kids. The kids are mostly picked from the slums or how have been working as bonded laborers. This school helps and prepare these kids to join government schools to mainline their schooling.
Finally, I was on the other side of a award ceremony. We distributed the prizes to the kids. And, I could sense the happiness they had in their face. It's a reminiscence of those juvenile moments - holding trophies and certificate, with pride and satisfaction of achievement. Which, of course, fosters and motivates one to walk an extra step - towards excellency. This celebration was for a cause, towards helping those little souls, to shower them with the light of knowledge. Not to mention, a self-fulfilling experience.
I wish, after a few years, some of these kids will go to such camps to distribute prizes. These initiatives off course can bridge the gaps we have between India and Bharat. Congratulations to all those who have been part of it.
