As we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow in India, I want to wish everyone Happy Independence Day !
Being an immigrant, and frankly not interested in ‘any’ kind of politics until very recently, i must confess, i am not a good contributing citizen.
I have never ever voted for any elections.
Yes.
Never.
I do not know how a ballot paper looks like!!!
I do not know about burning political issues of my country.
I did read Times of India faithfully while in India for couple of months but did not continue to do it online which i must correct.
So on eve if our Independence day what should be my interpretation of it all?
Is my interpretation important at all?
I have only one thing in mind.
View my country just like you view me!
If you view me as crippled and sorry figure, why would you view my country any different?
If you view me as a mother of two very lucky girls who are doing stunningly well in spite of very early birth (7 weeks early). May be my country will also look like a growing, young nation to you in spite of all our problems whether too much poverty, Kashmir or blown up population.
If i do not look like any other woman at age 35 to you because i am not wearing a western dress but a traditional outfit, may be my nation will also look like some ‘other’ nation and not someone who could be your family.
If you would spread rumors about me, suspect me and disrespect me because ‘you can’, why would you not do it for my nation, if my government does not agree with your views?
If i am not worthy of trust, where you can know that I am good hearted person and would forgive you, if you apologize and not run to court like a money hungry whore, why would you trust my nations’ government or secret service on critical issues and not view as another headache with nuclear power?
If you won’t empathize with me having PTSD, from terrorism that i have witnessed, why would you empathize with my government’s best intentions to do what they can to prevent future attacks?
If you won’t realize that i love and respect all religions and would listen, understand, visit everything pious to you to best of my capability, why would you realize that India is not just ‘Hindustan’, we are one country with almost all religions. We are way ahead in religious tolerance than other greatest nations in the world?
Shraddha
