Independence Day

India celebrated it's sixty third independence day yesterday. It seems such a small number for such an ancient and strong country. As the years drift, the british era is joining the many rulers and conquerers who once tried to control the uncontrollable, now mere footnotes in history books. This country is independent to its core.

All through the night the drone of planes taking off and landing at the nearby airport filled my house. It made me think about India's place at the centre of the world, as the hub for India's vast diaspora, as a magnet for tourists who flock here to be spiritualised and to immerse themselves in smells and cultures foreign, as home to one sixth of humanity and half its religions. The drone in the night made me think of all the family reunions and weddings and funerals and festivals that form the core of Indian life, that binds the diaspora together, drawing them back.

And it made me think about the brittle pride people have for their country, their hopes that it will be respected and not typecaste, that it will shape world decisions, not be dictated to. The legacy of foreign rule is a deep sensitivity to anything that might encroach on India's independence or pride. But they need not worry - Independent India is here to stay. Viva.