Finally we have completed 63 years of Independence...........Looking back into the time,when we analyse the LOST N FOUND segment of independent India,we find colours from all the segments of life mixing together in this country.INDIA-the 7th largest country in the world; the cradle of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism; the country that houses about 18% of world population & is one of the fastest growing economies of world,celebrated its 64th Independence Day on 15/August/2010.
I was proud to be a part of these celebrations at our college. Though I am a late riser by instinct, I got up early at 6 am and was getting ready for the flag hoisting ceremony which was scheduled at 8.45 am,when someone knocked at my door.My goodness.......this was Suraj.With a smile on face and hands in pocket,he wished me the day.
Nostalgically, the cherished memories of childhood flooded my mind,when we used to go to our schools with great enthusiasm to celebrate 15th August/26th Jan.I still remember those tricolours being sold by hawkers for 50 paisa each and young kids taking immense pleasure in waving them in air with pride and honour.We all felt so proud to be a part of those celebrations and we all felt so happy to get those specially prepared sweets,distributed after the function.
I got ready by 8 am and we(I and Suraj) left for the venue.There were a few more uniform clad juniors from 2nd year and of course..........the security guards were practising for the parade.They were standing in two rows in such a manner that the younger,the fitter and the muscular ones were in the first row and those with tumid tummy were hiding behind them.Well,this is what we call Human Resource Management(HRM). Slowly, crowd started flocking in and the number soared up to about 250 students.Dignitaries started arriving......the first being Dean Sir,followed by Mankad Sir. We were all waiting for Registrar Sir and Director Sir when suddenly.......................................
I was looking around to see the gathered crowd when i realised that there were just 12 girls present in all.Were only 12 girls interested to attend a national festival???In a University,with about 2000 registered students,is this all that we have??? With about 200 female students, what was that so important thing which kept them away from the flag hoisting ceremony??? More interestingly, 5 of them were 1st year students,who were there to sing national anthem; 4 were assistant secretaries,who were not left with any option........now this is called Rashmi Mam Effect. Only three voluntary participants(one from 3rd year and two from 4th year) from 200 registered students; just 1.5%.
Do anyone of you remember Madam Bhikaji Cama??? On 22 August 1907, she attended the International Socialist Conference in Stuggart, Germany, where she described the devastating effects of a famine that had struck the Indian subcontinent and she unfurled the "Flag of Indian Independence" becoming the first Indian to do so.
What has happened to the young generation of India, that it can't find 20 minutes to attend the proceedings of a national festival???We expect these young girls to turn into new Laxmi Bai, new Sunita Williams, new Pratibha Patil, new Sarojini Naidu, new Capt. Laxmi Sehgal..........but what is that,which is erasing the patriotic feelings amongst them??? What is that, which is washing off the nationalist sentiments from there heart and minds???
Boys are generally charged of being irresponsible and casual, but i was astonished to see that more then 150 boys gathered to attend the function......some even in there shorts and sports wear. Had it been a live concert of Euphoria Band or Bohemian; 95% students would have flocked in to attend the same.But when it comes to 26 Jan/15 Aug.........why does the count dip to mere 1.5% or 2%??? Why??? Why??? Why???
