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August 15: A Day of Reflection
India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15 to commemorate the historic dawn of 1947, when the country finally broke the chains of nearly two centuries of British colonial rule and rose to reclaim its rightful place in the world. This day is not just a celebration of political freedom—it is a sacred reminder of our civilizational legacy, cultural heritage, and the indomitable spirit of our people. It is a salute to the countless martyrs and freedom fighters who lit the flame of resistance with valor, sacrifice, and undying patriotism. Even thousands of miles away, in foreign lands, the hearts of the Indian diaspora beat a little louder on August 15. For us, this day is not just a memory—it is a living connection to our roots, a reaffirmation of our identity, and a reminder of the timeless values of our motherland.
Even after living in the U.S. for 57 years, August 15 still stirs something deep within me. I am an American citizen now, but my soul remains tethered to the land where I was born, raised, and educated. The Indian national anthem still gives me goosebumps, and every August 15, I pause—not so much in celebration, but in reflection—because that day, more than most, reminds me of who I truly am.
When I first arrived in the U.S. as a young student, full of hope and ambition, I carried with me more than textbooks and clothes. I brought an emotional legacy—an understanding of what it meant to be Indian: the richness of our traditions, a deep pride in India’s civilizational wisdom, and a reverence for the heroes who fought for our independence. Even though I left India physically, India never truly left me.
A shared diasporic identity
Independence Day in India, as I recall from my childhood, was a deeply emotional and vibrant occasion. Schools would organize flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic songs; Timeless patriotic compositions like “Ae mere watan ke logon” would fill the morning air. Students gave speeches with youthful idealism. We were taught to honor our freedom fighters not merely as figures in our history books, but as the architects of the freedom we now take for granted. Remembering them wasn’t just a ritual; it came with a sense of pride and responsibility.
Over the years, my relationship with India’s Independence Day has evolved. In the early years after moving to the U.S., I missed India intensely on August 15. Now, with most of my siblings also living in the U.S., those memories have matured into a shared diasporic identity. We are all Indian-Americans—hyphenated, but still whole.
An old bond that thrives
Despite the physical distance, my bond with Indian culture remains vibrant. I still relish Indian food—especially the simple, home-cooked kind. My wife and I are currently engrossed in the web series Veer Hanuman, which we watch each evening with a sense of awe and devotion. I continue to love Hindi cinema, particularly the classics that promote values of patriotism, justice, and moral clarity. And perhaps most profoundly, my admiration for Indian philosophy, especially Advaita Vedanta, has only grown with time. My mornings often begin with YouTube lectures by Swami Sarvapriyananda, Head of the Vedanta Society of New York, whose lucid interpretations of Upanishad wisdom help me navigate the complexities of modern life with spiritual grounding.
Socially, our Indian identity continues to thrive. We regularly meet with our Indian neighbors and college classmates, many of whom live in the United States, reminiscing about old times and engaging in lively discussions on economics, politics, philosophy, religion, and culture. Our shared past serves as a glue that holds us together, even as we thrive in a different land.
An ‘Americanized’ India
My wife, perhaps more than I, keeps the connection alive by visiting India every two years to see her brother and sister. I accompany her occasionally, but most of my family now resides in the U.S. Still, whenever I visit India, I’m reminded of how much it has changed—and yet, how much remains the same. The colors, the chaos, the contradictions—they are still there, and they still feel like home.
While older generations seem consistent with the values I recall, I’ve noticed that many young Indians have undergone a cultural shift since I moved to the U.S. Although their core values haven’t changed dramatically, they appear more “Americanized” than we ever were—conversing primarily in English, enjoying alcohol socially, preferring fast food, and consuming American pop culture, music, and television. I recall a humorous anecdote: an NRI, while visiting India, took his Indian friends and family to a restaurant that offered both Indian and Western cuisine. When it came time to order, he was the only one who chose Indian food—everyone else picked Western dishes. This story, while amusing, reflects a genuine trend. American fast food, as well as Chinese, Italian, and Mexican cuisines, have become popular in India. Ironically, when I visit India, I often feel that I am more “Indian” than many Indians living in India.
August 15 – A Day of Interdependence
Do I romanticize India? Perhaps. But nostalgia isn’t always about factual precision—it’s about emotional truth. And the truth is, I am deeply proud of India—not only for her ancient wisdom, but also for her democratic resilience. Yes, the country faces its share of challenges—red tape, population pressure, infrastructure issues, and environmental degradation—but it also showcases innovation, vitality, and an unwavering belief in progress.
August 15 is not just a day of remembering the past—it’s a moment to check in with the present. It urges me to ask: Has India fulfilled the dreams of her freedom fighters? Are we still striving for justice, equity, and unity? And on a personal level: Am I doing my part to preserve and share the values that India instilled in me?
In many ways, I believe I am. When I share Hindu philosophical ideas with my American friends, I feel I am serving as a cultural and spiritual bridge. When I recount stories to my children and grandchildren about the India of my youth, the moral clarity of its freedom movement, and the nobility of its ideals, I am planting seeds—not necessarily of identity, but certainly of appreciation.
Ultimately, I’ve come to understand that August 15 is not just India’s Independence Day—it is also a day of interdependence. I may not live in India anymore, but my identity, values, and spiritual compass have been shaped by her. I owe so much of who I am to her timeless legacy.
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