These anniversaries though very solemn have come down to only being ceremonies being attended by grumbling officials. Audrey was always against me attending these 'ceremonies'.. which were very important for me. She feels the whole country is run by vagabonds and criminals, so there is no meaning in all these flag hoistings etc., The feeling of being proud for your own country was inculcated in me, by I dont wknow who. The Air Force just strengthened these ideals.
I remember I used to go anonymous to attend the flag hoistings at the Indian Embassy in Doha, for I did not want her to get upset, till I was caught on camera. The next days Gulf Times had me standing right in front looking at the hoisted tricolour proudly. Then I too stopped.. busy, lethargic to even tell those small lies and all. It is the Independance Day here tomorrow. I am planning to go and see the Jog Falls in all its beauty torrentially cascading down. Priorities have changed.. or have I changed.
My son in law Rajesh was on line this morning... visibly upset about the death of one of his neighbours,, who was also his mentor in a few things. Initially I just brushed it off as just another death of a close ones... but I was sorry later to see his feelings towards the person who taught him something in life. People come and go in our lives, but some leave footprints and memories. An old man who was my neighbour in Mysore is the only man who is behind all my successes. He was there untiringly behind me, making sure I learnt each and everything in my life perfectly. Perfection was his passion. Coming back to the Independance Day.. I am sure there were a few people in the country, who definitely left a mark by their lives. I am sure we do not so much understand and comprehend the suffering they had to go through to get this freedom for us, which we take for granted.
Let us spend just one minute in memory of those fought for this freedom which we enjoy today.. on both sides of the border.
Love - John
