Jai Ho! Jai Ho! Jai Ho!

Independence Day evokes strong feelings of pride and patriotism, as NIMA MENON reminisces over celebrations in India celebrating 50 years of independence. As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the historic midnight session was enacted as India’s Tryst with Destiny was relived in the Central Hall of the Parliament. While Pundit Bhimsen Joshi sang Vande Mantaram, Lata Mangeshkar mesmerised the audience with Sare Jahan Se Accha. A medley of the speeches by Gandhiji, Nehruji and other famous firing of the 21-gun salute. Helicopters overhead showered petals on dignitaries and the entire assembly. The flypast had us all enthralled with their daring display.

As a part of the celebration, a stage was erected at Vijay Chowk on the Rajpath, facing the India Gate and famous artistes like AR Rahman, Mrinalini, Mallika Sarabhai and Sivamani performed through the night. There was also a 30-minute light and sound show. Kite flying was also a part of the celebration, where soaring kites depicted the morale and spirits of a people celebrating their hard-fought independence. There was a sense of euphoria and a spring in each step. 50 years of independence seemed quite a landmark.

Energetic and enthusiastic students from various schools across Delhi and cadets of the NCC assemble at the maidan in the wee hours of the morning, to take part in the celebrations and sing patriotic songs.

Tricoloured balloons carrying the number 50 were released. In his Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister said, “….greatness is waiting for us, waiting for our future generation.”

He further called for providing “equal rights and

The patriotic rendezvous with the Red Fort began long before the stroke of midnight in 1947, when Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of free India, unveiled the flag of independent India and uttered those famous words, “……. when the world sleeps India will wake to life and freedom.” The entrance to the fort is through the imposing Lahori Gate, so named as it faces Lahore. This gate has had a special significance for India, as since the first war of independence, many freedom fighters and national leaders have made important and inspiring speeches from here. When the British army occupied the Red Fort in 1857, they demolished more than 80 percent of it to construct massive barracks for the soldiers. Just after World War II, the Red Fort was the scene of the famous trial of the Indian National Army. The Red Fort is now under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India and is a World Heritage site. Any visit to India is incomplete without a tour of the Red Fort. This ancient building is a testimony of many national and political upheavals in British-occupied India. This building stands for the country’s courage, grittiness and the will to survive all odds. And on the occasion of India’s 62nd Independence Day, all that can be said is Jai Ho!