As India celebrates its 61st independence today, we are reminded of all that we as a nation have achieved in the last six decades, all that we are YET to accomplish and the various social, economic, political and ethnic issues we grapple with day in and day out! Many things have changed for the better in the country and where it stands from a global perspective, it only makes me feel proud! As chaotic as things may be in the current light, the tri-colors that swing in the air today, rings in feelings of hope, commitment, patriotism and pride.
Exactly a year ago, the Times of India group started an interesting journey called the Lead India Campaign - a talent show of sorts to search for an individual who has the potential to make a difference to our country. While the show did stir a lot of excitement and found its new Leader, the campaign by itself was extremely inspiring to me. Infact, one of its videos that truly left goosebumps is the one written by Gulzaar, music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and sung by Shankar Mahadevan. This is linked below:
Exactly a year ago, the Times of India group started an interesting journey called the Lead India Campaign - a talent show of sorts to search for an individual who has the potential to make a difference to our country. While the show did stir a lot of excitement and found its new Leader, the campaign by itself was extremely inspiring to me. Infact, one of its videos that truly left goosebumps is the one written by Gulzaar, music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and sung by Shankar Mahadevan. This is linked below:
The video has an extremely simple message to us all - STOP COMPLAINING AND TAKE ACTION! The lyrics of the song (translated) as follows:
Falak Pakad ke Utho, Aur Hawa Pakad ke Chalo
(Rise to the sky, and walk with the wind in your hand)
Tum Chalo to Hindustan Chale
(When you walk, the nation walks with you!)
Lagao Haath ke Suraj Subah Nikala Karein,
(Lend your hand to the Sun each morning)
Hatheliyon Bhare Dhoop ko Uchhala Karein
(Throw around your hands filled with Sunlight)
Ulfaq pe Paav Rakho, Aur Chalo Akad ke Chalo
(Walk on the horizon, And walk with Pride)
Falak Pakad ke Utho, Aur Hawa Pakad ke Chalo
(Rise to the sky, and walk with the wind in your hand)
Tum Chalo to Hindustan Chale
(When you walk, the nation walks with you!)
One may easily defy this and claim that nothing has every changed in this country and nothing will! And that may be the truth, if we wish to see it that way! There are times we ask ourselves "What will I get by taking action?" Maybe nothing, but this would bring about a little change somewhere. A famous line from the movie 'The Schindler's List':
"One who saves a life, saves the entire world".
So we may not get anything indeed, but may end up shaking the world.
In his address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of his vision of India that is united in its diversity. Are we citizens who feel proud to be Indians? Are we there yet?
Happy Independence Day.
"One who saves a life, saves the entire world".
So we may not get anything indeed, but may end up shaking the world.
In his address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of his vision of India that is united in its diversity. Are we citizens who feel proud to be Indians? Are we there yet?
Happy Independence Day.
