The progress of freedom

PATRIOTISM. APPARENTLY, it’s a way of living. And while India’s current political climate puts its population’s sense of nationalism to test; its government committing questionable acts; the section of Indian expatriates residing in the U.A.E. attempted to celebrate their country’s 62nd Independence Day in their own simple way on Friday, August 15.

Young Indians in the UAE feel caught up somewhere in between idealism and realism. Whilst Indian cinema aims to inspire a sense of patriotism in the youth, the Indian media provides the reality check.

With no set parameters, people take it upon themselves to derive a meaning for independence and their personal value of freedom.

Kalpit Bothra, a 21-yearold student at the American University of Dubai explained his take on Indian Independence Day, “Independence Day is one of those few days when you get to connect back to your country. Living abroad, you tend to miss your country a lot; and when you go and see the flag hoisting ceremony, the feeling it gives you, it’s quite exhilarating.”

And indeed that was the general vibe given by the large number of UAE-based Indians in attendance at the flag hoisting ceremony, held on Friday morning by the Indian Consulate at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium of the Indian High School, Dubai.

But the Indians living in the UAE are not unaware or unaffected by the many issues on India’s plate right now.

Megha Chandrasekhar, a 21-year-old student, feels troubled by India’s present political unrest.“It’s almost impossible to celebrate Independence Day without thinking of the problems waiting to be dealt with. Being outside the country, it’s easy to assume that we’re progressing, but only those living in India can answer that question.” However,

Nikhil Narayanan, a 28-year-old sales consultant, was in high spirits on the day, and when asked about his plans for Independence Day, he enthusiastically replied,“My first mission for the day is to hang a flag on my balcony and car. Back home, I would have celebrated with food, and it shall be no different here.”