Dear Editor,
India celebrated her 69th Independence anniversary last August 15 in ceremonies around the country. I was fortunate to observe the ceremonies in New Delhi this year as indeed I had on several other independence anniversaries. And when not in Delhi for the occasion, I was often invited by Indian Embassy officials for independence celebrations in New York or Guyana or Trinidad, or wherever I find myself around that time of the year.
New Delhi’s independence celebrations were indeed quite impressive commemorating the birth of a free, secular and democratic India from British rule and where everyone was invited for participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the ramparts of Red Fort, once the bastion of power of the British Raj. There was a 21 gun salute. The national anthem was sung and one can feel goose bumps and emotion listening to the music; tears flowed. The Independence Day celebrations transcend caste, tribe and religion with citizens united in singing patriotic songs remembering freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s independence that in turn set the stage for African and Caribbean countries including our own Guyana.
Modi-ji performed the ceremonial salute at Red Fort for the third time and delivered his address to the nation – the state of the nation, its achievements under the ruling coalition’s tenure, and the plan for the next year; the PM reiterated the government’s stand against violence and terrorism. The address was carried live on national TV and radio. I was at the Red Fort for the PM’s first address in 2014 and the reception later in the evening at the President’s home.
PM Modi had asked the nation for suggestions for themes and issues he needed to address in his freedom speech, and he used those ideas to speak to the nation. Modi announced a 20% increase in the pension of freedom fighters, and he also stated that the government will provide about US$1500 (one lakh rupees) for medical costs for poor families. Modi also stressed the need for good governance. The latter concept has been missing in Guyana since independence where corruption rules the day.
As reported in the media, chief ministers of each state (29) as well as the seven union territories across India took the stage in their states and spoke to the people on aspirations, reforms, developmental goals, education, job creation, agriculture, flooding, infrastructure, good governance, and more. Some of the chief ministers announced awards for their citizens. India devolves power to the people and to the states.
There were marches of people who formed the beautiful tricolors of the Indian flag. It was a day Indians revelled in glory. People took to various kinds of social activities with kite-flying being the most popular one. Hundreds of thousands were seen at various parks in the capital. Even at social events there were tri-colored kites, tri-colored clothes; “Love India” slogans, flags of various sizes, jerseys, handkerchiefs, wrist bands, badges, stick bands, badges with the flag or India written on it, etc. Cars and other vehicles were also seen sporting miniatures of the national flag. In the mood of festivity, there were tricolor cakes and various mithais, including the popular burfi that is loved by Guyanese.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
