Every day is Independence Day

Four years back, just before Independence Day, I was driving in the green environs of Cubbon Park in Bangalore when I saw a very old man on the road selling pins with small metallic National tri-colour flags for five rupees each.  I bought four of different design, more out of compassion for the elderly man braving the sun and heat in urban traffic,  and I started wearing them one by one in rotation every day. 

For the first few days nothing happened. No one seemed to take any notice of this new appendage on my shirt.  Then I started seeing curious looks. “Hey, Independence Day is long over” they said, “why the flag?” Some people even passed sarcastic remarks, “you don’t have to wear your patriotism on your chest every day”, they said. I waited for days and weeks, persistently wearing the flags, and waiting for the one-odd person who would give me a positive compliment on this habit of mine.

The reason for this persistence was – people wear their religion, caste, political affiliations or memberships in blatant display, and it is accepted. Everywhere I turn around I see people flaunting their faith, religion or their community – on their foreheads, in their dress, through ornaments, and even on the dashboards or windscreens of their cars.  It is well established and accepted that you would like to announce your identity to all and sundry, and no one gives it a second thought.

I want to wear my Nationality on my person wherever I go, because I genuinely love my country and am proud to be an Indian – and my identity is more as an Indian than of the region, language, caste or state I belong to.  I decided to ignore the few ignorant friends who initially treat it either as a joke or something to be ridiculed.  I staunchly believe that when we can flaunt our religious beliefs, wear our caste on our forehead, why should we not be comfortable with someone wearing his nationalism on his sleeve.  I was born in one state, grew up in another, and now happily settled in a third.  I love all the places I am connected to in India, and most of my travel is within my country – because I sincerely believe that India is a microcosm of the entire world, and seeing India is as good as going on a global tour.

It is not that I am a diehard or extreme patriot – but I am a proud citizen of this great country, and I hardly have any other regional or parochial affiliations.  My language, religion, caste, region or political affiliation are very minor in comparison to my identity as an Indian – and I would like others to know this fact, through a tiny metallic tricolor flag proudly worn on my chest.  When someone asks me the clichéd question, “where are you from?”  I always reply, “India.”

I have now become immune to the quizzical and funny looks.  As long as possible I will continue with this little crusade of mine, even if I am the only one around doing so. I know the worth of being an Indian in this free, democratic and progressive country. I need India more than India needs me.  I am looking for like-minded people to join the caravan, so I have started buying these little flags every Independence Day and distributing to anyone who shows interest in wearing them.  The miniscule investment gives me immense satisfaction when I see a friend or acquaintance wearing what I have gifted.

I am confident that there are innumerable people like me who love our country immensely, but do not know how to express their admiration to our great nation.  This is one small way we can all do it.  If someone wants a small tri-color pin, I am willing to share from my collection.

I want to introduce you to an old friend of mine, Aab:

Aab sat on the hillock and was enjoying the view.  The hillock was definitely not Himalayas, and he was not there to meditate or seek enlightenment.  Poor Aab! What does he know what is enlightenment, and how to seek it?  He was there to enjoy the view, the breeze, and the solitude.

Aab lives in the twenty first century, but he does not belong to it.  He is from a different era, transplanted here like an anachronism.  At times he feels like a cactus in a blooming rose garden, sometimes he realizes that he is like the last guest in a party when the hosts are waiting to wind up.

Aab also knows that there are no hosts in this world.  Everyone wants to be a guest.  Each one wants to be served, not to serve.  Every person wants to move on when the party is over.  Only Aab knows that there was no party.

Aab was looking for loneliness.  Yes, what you read is true – he was looking for loneliness.  Not solitude, mind you.  Solitude one can get by just walking away from others, hiding in one’s physical or mental cave.  Aab in fact did not like solitude, except once in a while.  In fact, people sought him out.  Not like disciples seek a Guru, but more like those who crave to find themselves in and through him.

The narration will continue.

Giving significance to teaching...

Today when I read about the Vice Chairman of Niti Ayog (the new Planning Commission of India) quitting his job which gives him the status of a Union Minister, and going back to his university in the USA to resume his teaching job, I was thinking of the importance we give to the teaching profession.

Very eminent people, including past Governor of Reserve Bank of India Mr. Rajan, after their great achievements, going to full-time teaching jobs happily and with passion.  Why is it that we do not see that happening in India?  In a country where we consider the Guru as a God, can we not treat our teachers with greater respect, dignity and remuneration, so that the best brains take to teaching (particularly after they bring back years of achievements in very responsible positions) and hence the students will get much greater education and learning?

This is a great food for thought.  We have this large pool of talent, of eminent people who have made their name and mark in different fields and vocations, who can contribute so much to the next generation by teaching and training them.