Bollywood and Patriotism

 

Wednesday was Indian Independence Day.  What was it like, you ask?   It was a little bit of Bollywood, a little bit of patriotism, and a little bit awesome.

I visited the school where my roommate works for the day’s festivities.  As far as I can tell, most Indians don’t celebrate Independence Day as grandly as their children do. From the parade to the flag raising to the children’s program, it was an event.

Being “honored guests” was uncomfortable.  Being called onto a stage in front of children and parents that you have never seen before (and probably won’t see much of again) was a little awkward.  Being asked to say a few words to the crowd about how you’ve found India thus far was kinda silly.

  

But the kids were adorable.  The colors were vibrant.  The outfits were varied and outstanding.

 

 
The school leader informed us that the rally around the neighborhood (that lasted a solid 2 hours) was to “raise awareness of social problems.” The kids held signs that the teachers made drawing attention to things like the environment, girls’ education, and sanitation.  The people in the neighborhood were very interested in the drums and the many, many children joyfully chanting patriotic cheers and parading around town.  Whether awareness was raised . . .

During the flag raising ceremony, the school leader insisted that we stand around the flag pole and take part in the prayers.  (Why having Westerners raise the Indian flag on Independence Day is a special event, I don’t understand.  But he really insisted.)

  

Then the kids paraded in their outfits and danced and did yoga on a stage.  They danced traditional dances and modern dances.  These kids are so talented! I want to take dance lessons from these children.  (I’m only half kidding.)

On another note, the kids in the audience were meant to be sitting and watching quietly throughout the 3 hour long program.  (I wasn’t even able to do that.) Teachers were constantly telling/physically making them sit.

“You see how our children sit so still and quiet,” the principle announced to us proudly.

In truth they were very welcoming – constant handshaking and greetings.  They were very inquisitive and curious.  They were very happy and joyful and filled-with-youth.

Indians are proud to be Indian.  Proud of their heritage.  Proud of their present.  There was a very clear atmosphere of freedom and country pride. As there should be.

There was a very real sense of tradition, and of the modern.  Bollywood and patriotism - welcome to the "New India." It's fab.