Independence Day

15^th August has many proud memories for us Indians. From important historic significances to Yoga and Sun Salutations display at the school function (which none were allowed to miss), every year had a newness lined up for Independence Day. The real fun part though was getting to go home early after the marching parade ;)

In college, the patriotic spirit was replaced by rainy day escapades to nearby hills or “who is the prettiest of them all’ kind of celebrations in traditional clothing.

As I moved to Abu Dhabi, the prominence of specific days of celebration shifted as I got tuned to the lunar calendar. Sundays became work days while Fridays have been more of ‘independence days’.

In 2009 my friend and I, started our driving lessons in theory and practical as required for getting a driving license in the UAE. Incidentally the final driving test was scheduled on August 15th.  I had silently prayed, let it be an ‘independence day’ in the real sense of the term! And out of sheer luck, I actually passed the driving test in the first attempt! Even my instructor was really surprised on hearing about it. That was indeed a celebration of my independence.

Later in 2010, I was on my maternity leave till August 11. And just somehow, exactly on 15^th August, I gathered all the courage to value what was most important for me at that point of time in life. I decided on that very day to take a break from work and concentrate on being a mother. So again 15^th August 2010 marked my independence from the harsh work world outside so as to embrace new responsibilities at home with my baby.

When I started working again, I made it a point to wear Indian clothes to office on 15^th August. Even though I believe in the saying – when in Rome, do as the Romans do, I do encourage my son to wear a kurta to the nursery on Independence Day for him to be in touch with the spirit of Indianness while living outside India.

But beyond all this, perhaps I just like to associate a date with a particular feeling or realization. Today I have come to know exactly what every 15^th August really reminds me of. It is the complete independence that my life here has given me. Not to lead nor to follow, but to just exist freely and celebrate my creativity of expression. This day tells me to go on dreaming and soaking up myriad secret moments of freedom that can transform a regular hectic day into an ‘independence day’ in its true sense.