The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : It is not just another holiday

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

It is not just another holiday

Staff Reporter

Many expressed feelings of patriotism when asked about Independence Day

Bangalore: Most of the city's young are enthusiastic and feel a tinge of patriotism when they are asked about Independence Day. Some do feel the country is not able to enjoy its freedom due to corruption in public life and lack of transparency in the government's working. It is not just another holiday for most of them.

Rahul Sharma, an engineering student, said, "This day gives an opportunity to remember those who sacrificed so much for us to live in a free country. It should also be an occasion for stocktaking and wonder where we are heading.''

`Essential'

A sales manager in a private firm, Avinash, said, "Celebrating the day is necessary, to make us feel proud about the country's achievements. Some things may be wrong but there is a lot to feel cheered about; we are enjoying freedom but there are everyday issues still to be solved to make it easier to live."

Srikanth, working in a private firm, was blasé about it all: "Well, we are getting a holiday so in every sense we are enjoying the freedom.''

Sujatha Kannan, a homemaker who was in the midst of shopping, remarked, "We have freedom and are progressing... the country is moving forward in many aspects. It is an occasion worth celebrating.''

(Top, left) Rahul Sharma, Srikanth, Avinash and (above, left) Sujatha Kannan, Bharati and Sam

Software professional Bharati said, "Some people are taking undue advantage and misusing our hard won freedom. If that goes, the country will be better off.''

Abid Mehkri, an executive, felt, "I am happy with our political structure and governance and a day to celebrate.'' He felt proud to be an Indian. Merchandising professional Ashwin said, "We all share in the feeling of living in a free country so that it is a day to celebrate and also for us who are young to remember who struggled hard for the country to be free.''

A college student Prashant said, "Everybody is happy on this day that we have been free for over 50 years.'' Tina, manager of a private firm, said, "We don't really feel free in the current scenario because the Government is not responsive enough to the needs of the people... there has to be greater sense of accountability.''

A student from Jordan, Sam, had what could be the last sword: "In many West Asian countries people don't enjoy the kind of freedom one enjoys in India. You should be grateful... I see so much of contentment everywhere around here.''

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