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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

16/VIII/2023

 

It was an amazing day yesterday. It was our Independence. The people we met, the respect they showered on us, and looked after us in the colony celebrations was amazing. We feel honoured and blessed.

 

Children came dressed up as freedom fighters. They spoke on “Inqilab”. They may not understand its meaning, but it is their generation which will bring the real revolution for our country’s progress. God Bless the freedom fighters. Thank you for giving us our Independence.

 

The flag was unfurled, we all saluted. Many sang patriotic songs. A small march past by the guards. The customary Laddo and Chai brought nostalgic memories. All of us had INDIA in our hearts.

 

In the evening, we had a church service on the occasion of Independence Day. One of our preachers led us in prayer. He prayed for the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and all ministers in the Centre and States. He asked God to grant them wisdom to govern us well and lead this country to greater heights.

 

There were prayers for peace to prevail in India and the World. Freedom fighters were thanked profoundly. A special prayer went out for the Armed forces, Police and other forces who guard and protect us as also the doctors & nurses who tirelessly toil to keep us fit were thanked too.

 

I hope such prayers resonate from every ‘Temple of God’ irrespective of religion and faith. If it does, it will make an impact, if not then there is something wrong.

 

The last Hymn which was sung in the ‘order of service’ was a a revelation for me. I was not aware that “Sare Jahan se achha” by Iqbal, in its original form, is part of our ‘Hymn Book’. I wish it is sung by all everyday. Indeed, Mazhab nahi sikhata, aapas mein vair rakhna, was inculcated in me by the organisation I served so proudly. Thank you Indian Army.

 

The Church service was preceded by an invitation to tea at a friend's home in the evening. Their daughter had depicted Rani Jhansi in the morning function. It reminded me of the poem “Jhansi Ki Rani” by Subhdra Kumari Chauhan which I had learnt by heart and recited in a Hindi recitation contest in school and won the first prize. Those days one had a photographic memory. It goes like this.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hzTPXEUivI

 

 

Our independence did not come free. There were sacrifices, costs, compromises, use of force, martyrdom, penance, coercion, fasts, negotiations and above all the will of the nation who came on one page keeping all their personal differences aside. To keep our freedom intact we as citizens need to do our bit. Let us make friends, let us live in peace.

 

Folks let us maintain this spirit of independence. Remember United we stand and Divided we fall. Let us take inspiration from our freedom fighters. Let us make our country sare jahan se accha. Will we? I wonder!!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

© ® NOEL ELLIS




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