There are some moments in your life, which catch you off guard and are etched in your mind forever.
15th August 2011 will probably be one such moment for me. Asked to accompany my academician husband as a Guest of Honour at a flag-hoisting function at a Management Institute close to our residence, I went prepared to give away a few prizes to the students of the college and listen, whilst others spoke of those who were responsible for the independence movement and fought for our democratic right to hoist our flag, sing the National Anthem and express ourselves without fear or favour.
Stepping out of the car that was sent to receive us, it was overwhelming to see the Principal, staff and students all lined up to greet us. The Principal, with a welcoming smile, offered to divest me of my bag to which I replied in the negative, saying I was fine holding on to it. Little did I realise what was in store next. Both my spouse and I were escorted below the flag post and then the Principal asked someone to come forward to show me the ropes, both literally and figuratively! You could have knocked me down with a feather, as I had not come mentally prepared to hoist the National Flag, but only to clap and sing the National Anthem after it was unfurled!
Growing up in a home where the sacrifices of our freedom fighters were held up to us as examples, I did grow up with a spirit of patriotism in my blood. This was compounded by the nuns at school, who insisted that all students compulsorily attend the two national events in their school uniforms, for what was called the “flag-hoisting.” Later joining the Girl Guides movement in school, it became mandatory to attend these events in the Girl Guides uniform and march on the occasion, since there was a belief that the Guides marched better because of regular practice!
Whether it was standing and watching the flag being unfurled and joining in the “Jana gana mana…” or marching with the Girl Guides and saluting the flag when the Troop Leader boomed “Eyes right,” these two national events are indelible in the mind’s eye, along with memories of one’s school days.
Stepping into college offered freedom from regimentation but what was also sorely missed were the opportunities to celebrate the Independence and Republic Day ceremonies. The work-place was even worse and soon these events just became days to enjoy a bonus holiday and I became an arm-chair celebrator, by watching everything on television!
But despite the lack of involvement with these celebrations, even today, singing the National Anthem with a group fills me with emotion and I always find myself choking up.
This morning as it turned out was much more than that. After the initial glitch of almost flying the flag at half-mast (I could hear the huge gasp of horror from the students around me!), I did finally get it right by pulling the right rope which had the “Tiranga Jhanda” fly and unfurl at the top of the pole, as I gave a salute. But what I was totally unprepared for were the tears that came gushing and which I had a hard time controlling. After calming myself inside the auditorium, I made a reference to my emotions in my little speech to the students (impromptu because I had not been informed earlier) and told them how I could never take for granted what our leaders had done for us – the thrill of being born into a free India. I also made a mention of the politicians of today who were palming away land that had been so sincerely fought for, piece by piece, either to themselves, the mining lobby or corporations, in the guise of Special Economic Zones.
I suppose I owe my role in today’s Independence Day celebrations to a lady Principal who felt the need to set right the gender balance. I guess it was a perfect example of how women can be empowered, if women are at the helm of affairs and believe in a democratic style of operation. What a beautiful occasion for me to cherish and remember. When I was a toddler, I had an occasion to hoist the flag in my Montessori school and the memory of it is now embedded, only with the help of a black and white photograph. But today’s occasion is something that I will always remember, cherish and materialise in my head, whenever I feel low or the chips are down. Other opportunities for “flag hoisting” may come in the future. I hope that they will serve to recapture the magic and excitement of today and the recollection of all those who went before us and whose sacrifices and determination have made it possible for us to have an Independence Day.
Postscript
Whilst I still continue to have the same nationalistic feelings that I had when I hoisted the national flag, I am concerned about the excessive nationalistic fervour that has come to be the hallmark of today’s India. Attending a film festival where you wind up seeing around six films in a day, you have to stand up that many times for the national anthem. When a particular viewer refused to stand up saying it was the 6th time that he was standing, he was heckled and roughed up by other viewers. This has become a regular occurrence in movie halls too. Though, it is no longer compulsory to show the national flag and play the national anthem, movie theatre owners are taking no chances, given the climate of the day.
Also, the blind support for the present government and saying anything about its supreme leader is also considered blasphemy. Surely, the meaning of patriotism and democracy is the ability to be able to critique what is not right about one’s country including pointing out the flaws of elected representatives whom you have had a say in bringing to power.
As we celebrate one more Independence Day, one can only hope and pray that the country will go forward upholding the democratic values of our founding fathers and that the ability to think and speak “independently” will be respected and appreciated.
Melanie P. Kumar is a freelance writer based in Bangalore.
