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Pakistani, Indian expats gear up for I-Day celebrations

But beyond the bonhomie and camaraderie, what does the event signify for Indians and Pakistanis in today's world where boundaries are fast dissolving in a fast shrinking globe?

Khaleej Times spoke to a number of Indian and Pakistani expats in the UAE to gauge their reaction to the event, and this is what they had to say.

Trishna Parwani, an Indian expat studying medicine, says she feels a wave of patriotism sweeping through her every time the Independence Day approaches, but would not celebrate it in any particular fashion. "I do enjoy the spirit of the occasion when everyone from my family recount their tales about the freedom movement and the struggle they had to endure. But I am not really the flag-waving type and would rather celebrate it in a more private manner,” she said.

Keeping traditions alive and arousing patriotism in their children, members of the Pakistani community say they go out of their way to introduce their children to the Independence Day celebrations in the UAE. "I make it a point to take my children to the flag-hoisting ceremony held at the consulate every year on August 14," says Qamar Ali.

"My wife and I make sure that the children are dressed in their traditional attire, and are also carrying Pakistan’s flag. The occasion is festive, and inspite of the intense heat, the children have fun singing patriotic songs," he adds.

A large section of the Indian community say that they are looking forward to celebrating the country's Independence Day on Monday. There are also many others who say that the day is ideal to celebrate the spirit of the Independence Movement and cherish the efforts of various leaders who were involved in it. Said K V Shamshuddin, an Indian social worker: "Independence Day is an occasion to remember the struggle by leaders like Gandhiji and Pandit Nehru. When we compare them to the present leadership, we feel that most of them are corrupt and selfish power-mongers."

Prem Mulani, an investment banker from India, says that he would be celeberating the day with his family and friends. "Ideally, I would like to be with a group of friends and ponder over today's politics. But most likely, I will land up spending the day with my family with the elders recounting the days of struggle," he said.

Fazeel Khan, a Pakistani, says that on August 14, the entire house is awake early morning to watch the Independence Day parade on television. "My 4-year-old son just loves it. My wife cries literally when she hears national songs being played because they make her remember her childhood. On this occasion, we miss our country very much," he said, adding that they also keep track of all happenings in the UAE and try to involve themselves in it.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai will hold a flag-hoisting ceremony on August 14 at 8 am at the consulate premises. All members of the Pakistani community in Dubai and Northern Emirates are invited to attend the ceremony. The Pakistan Association Dubai will also organise a series of glittering cultural activities and programmes filled with fun and joy for the community.

"The various programmes will allow us to introduce and demonstrate our cultural heritage to our children and members of our community. It also allows us to foster a sprit of mutual understanding and cooperation; strengthen the ties of fraternity among Pakistani and UAE nationals as well as other foreigners residing in the UAE," say the organisers. The programmes include an elocution competition for school children on August 14, performance by local pop group, comedy talent, speeches, local singers and quiz competition.

On August 19, a Pashto musical concert in collaboration with Pakhtoon Welfare Society has been organised. Famous Pushto artist, Irfan Khan, will perform.

On the other hand, the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE is gearing up to celebrate their country's 58th Independence Day on August 15 at numerous welfare and social organisations with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies and singing of patriotic songs.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi will organise a traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at 8am which will be attended by the Ambassador, C M Bhandari and other officials. Bhandari will read out the Indian President's message. The Indian Consulate in Dubai will also host a similar ceremony. Students from various Indian schools across the UAE will participate in these events by singing the national anthem and patriotic songs.

The India Club too will join in the celeberations by organising a social evening for its members and their guests.

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