Indian Independence Day: Indians share fond memories

Fond memories come flooding for these Indians

One of the earliest memories for most Indians about Independence Day has to be watching the Prime Minister hoist the Indian flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort. Most families tuned into Doordarshan early in the morning to watch the unfurling of the Tricolour and pay respect to the national anthem.

For some, memories of free sweets distributed at school are still fresh and others recall the movie marathon of patriotism that ran on TV.

As India marks its 71st Independence Day today, we spoke to three Indians on what their Independence Day memories are:

Nikhil Nair, Marketing Executive

Although Dubai is a city that celebrates every festival, I am missing the Independence Day celebrations back home. I remember roaming the streets on my bike, attending flag hoisting ceremonies with the Tricolour proudly tucked on my shirt. Usually, there are different kinds of music playing from every home but on Independence Day, every corner buzzes with patriotic songs. What I also miss is the festivities in school and college, while growing up and the companies I worked with.

I feel proud to be an Indian in the UAE and cherish every moment of it. Jai Hind!

(Photo: AFP)

Naushad Ali, Bank Professional

During my childhood, Independence Day meant holiday on August 15. I never went to school on that day as the school had functions only for 9th and 10th standard students. I clearly remember singing the patriotic song, 'Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo' from the movie Haqeeqat at the event when I was in Class 10. It is one of my favourite songs sung by Mohammed Rafi till date. Even today, my Independence Day starts by watching the hoisting of the national flag at Red Fort by the Prime Minister and his speech on DD 1. There used to patriotic songs on 'Chitrahaar' played on DD1, followed by a patriotic movie. One prominent movie I remember to have watched is 'Gandhi'. In my teens, I thought it was an Indian movie and only got to know later that it wasn't. Another fond memory is buying a Tricolour kite during my teens.

(Photo: AFP)

Disney Brar Talwar, Freelance Writer

Independence Day was all about the leave from school and jam-packed with activities to celebrate the occasion. In our old Bombay society, we used to host a small function wherein the Tricolour was hoisted amid much fanfare and chanting of some slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after which sweets in the hues of our dear flag were distributed. Patriotic songs played on loud speakers the whole day. New clothes were specifically brought to match the colours of our flag. Since we were two sisters and one brother, we used to buy dresses each in saffron, green and white colours and together we represented the Tricolour. As the day advanced, patriotism on celluloid was what kept us glued to the television screens. I still remember when patriotic songs were played on the idiot box, I used to actually get goosebumps. The adrenaline rush felt like never before.

Also not to forget that mother used to always give us some extra pocket money to buy some of our favourite Independence Day paraphernalia which was available in the small markets dotting the city. There were crisp flags and magnets in the shape of the Tricolour. Then we had badges which we could wear on our frilly dresses to school uniforms and rubber bands in the colour of the Indian flag. We also used to get pencil boxes, tiffins and water bottles designed to celebrate the flavour of Independence Day.

anita@khaleejtimes.com

• India