Happy 72th Independence day to all my Indian readers. It’s a day of pride and celebrations for all of us. Independence day always takes me back to my school days- the white uniform with national flag pinned to the chest, early morning patriotic breeze with national anthem playing at every 100 meters in the vicinity, cultural programs, marching, sweets, chocolates, speeches on our freedom fighters and to the most the flag hoisting ceremony that made our chest swell with pride. It was an exhilarating feeling filled with joy and dignity.
My favorite memory has to be the early morning parade held on the state grounds where troupes from various schools assembled for a march past competition as soon as the National flag was hoisted by the distinguished Governor or Chief Minister of the state. The flag hoist was followed by a drum beat national anthem that kicked in the “pride” adrenaline in us as we marched the entire ground and salute the national flag. The day used to get even better when we (Xavierian’s; I am a proud alumnus of St Xavier’s school) won the competition and took back a huge cup to the school. I remember, the roar and slogans we used to yell out from the school bus windows- “hip hip hooray”, “East or West Xavier is the best”, “Vande Mataram”, “Bharat Mata ki Jai” like nothing mattered more than winning a cup for the school. The entire school used to clap and join our merriment while the sweets and chocolates were doubled and tripled.
The feeling used to take away the pain of hot summer afternoon practices and rehearsals. The next morning assembly was filled with accolades and appraisals from all teachers and heads of the school where we silently placed our demands for picnics and excursions. The feeling used to continue for the rest of the year every time we took a glance at the cup we won in the school display.
This small exercise every year taught me to be true to my School and my Nation. It made me think of the unmeasured joy Indians must have had in 1947 when India got its freedom from the colonial rule. It also made me appreciate the pain, blood and sacrifice took to win India from British rule. Today, I salute every soldier, who care more about our safety than theirs. Who are willing to die in the process of serving their country.
Some Facts that I really like about India and kind of proud of-
1. India never ruled or invaded any country in her last 100000 years of history.
2. India Invented number system including Algebra, Trigonometry and calculus. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta. The value of Pi was first calculated by Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and the concept of what is known as Pythagorean theorem today. The largest number Indians used was as big as 10*53 while the Greeks and the Romans used were 106.
3. India is the largest democracy in the world, the 7th largest country in the world with one of the most ancient civilizations.
4. Ayurveda is the earliest science of medicine known to mankind. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
5. India Invented Chess
6. The four religions born in India- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism are followed by 25% of worlds population.
7. India exports Software to 90 countries (fact for all techies out there)
8. Yoga was originated in India and, later spread to Asia by Buddhist missionaries.
9. The Art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh over 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘NAVGATIH’. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.
10. India has the largest number of post offices in the World.
11. The world’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects.
12. Sushruta is the father of Surgery.
For more facts, go to this list by Government of India
Details- Chambray Tunic (also love this) | Harem Pant | Jacket (last seen here) | Ralph Lauren Bag (under $150; last seen here and here) | Sandals | Necklace | Sunglasses ($16) | Bangles
Coming to the outfit– Instead of opting for tricolors, I went for an Indian fusion look by wearing a chambray tunic with a Patiala or harem pant. My search for perfect Patiala ended with this, the frills are beautiful and the material is very soft. For a more festive feel, I added a jacquard print jacket and a statement neckpiece.
Long live India and its Heritage. Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara!
