Farhan Sayeed Masoodi
I recently had the opportunity to witness India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in a remote village called Chandigam, nestled 20 km away from the beautiful town of Kupwara in Kashmir.
The village came together to commemorate the historic occasion as the national flag was ceremoniously hoisted at PM-SHRI Boys High School, Chandigam Lolab.
The headmaster, Mohd Ayoub Shah, proudly raised the flag amidst the presence of enthusiastic staff members, students, and local visitors. The event was filled with engaging programs organized by the students, including spirited parade marches and cultural activities.
However, I noticed that many of the cultural performances did not fully represent the local Kashmiri traditions in songs and dances. Nonetheless, the students’ dedication and enthusiasm were evident throughout the event.
The teachers informed me that the students had been practicing diligently for 15 days leading up to the Independence Day celebrations.
During the event, I engaged with the students. When I asked them about their aspirations for the future, I was surprised to learn that many expressed a desire to serve their nation by joining the armed forces.
This enthusiasm for celebrating Independence Day reflects a remarkable level of patriotism among this generation compared to previous ones. They have learned valuable lessons from the mistakes of past generations, understanding that violence is not the path to peace and progress within a nation.
As the program continued, heavy rainfall began, prompting everyone to seek shelter in the school hall, where the remainder of the event took place. Despite the rain, the attendees’ spirits remained undampened. I observed vibrant performances filling the air with excitement, and certificates were presented to deserving students who had excelled in academics and sports.
Following the program, I visited the school’s kitchen, where the mid-day meal is usually served to the students. There, I met Ali Mohd Dar, a 55-year-old sweeper at the school, who kindly invited me inside and offered me a cup of tea. As we conversed, I learned that he receives a monthly salary of 600 rupees, a figure that resonated with me. Despite being a father to five boys and a girl, his adult sons were not yet earning.
When I asked him why he hadn’t sought better job opportunities, he said, “I hoped for a permanent position with a better salary as a sweeper, similar to others who had previously held the role.”
“I have been extremely busy with arrangements for Independence Day over the past 15 days, “Ali expressed.
He had been extremely busy with arrangements for Independence Day over the past 15 days.
His responsibilities included maintaining the cleanliness of the campus, classrooms, and offices, in addition to overseeing the decoration of the entire campus for the event. Despite his busy schedule, he dedicated extra time by staying on campus the night before to ensure everything ran smoothly.
This led me to reflect on the countless individuals like Ali Mohammed across the country who, despite modest compensation, demonstrate commendable dedication and diligence in fulfilling their duties. As the event concluded, I watched the students slowly dispersing and making their way home.
My thoughts were consumed by Ali Mohammed and his incredible perseverance in providing for his family despite severe financial constraints.
This reflection prompted me to contemplate India’s remarkable strides since gaining independence in 1947. However, amidst this progress, it became evident that many individuals within our communities continue to face significant daily challenges in pursuing social and economic independence.
I vividly recall when the students received certificates of appreciation for their outstanding performances. It struck me deeply that individuals like Ali Mohd, who consistently demonstrate resilience and determination in adversity, often go unnoticed and unappreciated. It became clear that more needs to be done to support and acknowledge individuals like Ali Mohd, who strive against all odds.
Despite many challenges, there remains hope for a future where individuals can overcome these obstacles and achieve the freedom and self-sufficiency they deserve.
As India moves forward, the stories of individuals like Ali Mohd Dar remind us of the importance of inclusive growth. They underscore the need for policies and initiatives that reach the farthest corners of the country, ensuring that all share in the fruits of independence and progress.
The journey towards a genuinely free and self-sufficient India continues, with each Independence Day serving as both a celebration of how far the nation has come and a reminder of the distance yet to be traveled.