Independence Day

Millions of Indians across the country celebrated 59 years of India’s independence from the British on Tuesday, 15 August 2006. As it was a national holiday, Gareth had the day off work and we were keen to see some of the festivities planned and learn more of the history of this amazing and diverse country. We had been invited to the local Good Shepherd School where 200 plus students from primary to secondary age were performing a series of plays, dances, songs and speeches for parents, teachers, guests and dignitaries gathered in the playground.


Around 8am we wandered down and took our seats ready to witness the display. Just before 9am we got started. With Uncle Alfie sat beside us, an inspirational man who helped found the school eight years ago and whom everyone loves hence the term Uncle, we enjoyed an array of performances, some of which included demonstrating how they fought the British for their freedom (this is where I assumed my Australian nationality and Gareth pleaded ignorance, as hey, it really was the English to blame.)


It was a fantastic morning and actually quite emotional at times as the children gave speeches celebrating figures such as Ghandi, raised the Indian flag and sang the national anthem. Other parts were more light-hearted including a dance sequence by a group of 19-year-old strapping lads who all really looked around 40 years old, gyrating across the stage with tassles attached to their trousers and shirts. As Gareth said if you tried that in Glasgow you’d not live long…


The school is special for another reason, as 90% of the children are from Dalit families. Called the ‘untouchables’ these are children who along with their families are the poorest of the poor, the lowest caste in India and often not seen as worthy of any interaction - never mind an education. Part of the emotion of the day was witnessing these children and young people some of whom live in slums, speaking so eloquently, dressed in their smart uniforms donated by a local business, explaining what a difference the school had made in their and their families lives.

Late morning the event finished and a snack of Bombay mix was given out as a gift. Chatting with some of the other guests we eventually left to spend the rest of the day quietly, as westerners whether British, American or Canadian etc are told to be low key on that day i.e. don’t go into town wearing a, ‘I love Britain’ t-shirt. There is generally no trouble as most people are happy and excited during the day. But we heeded the advice and stayed in the vicinity of the campus, where the school and our temporary accommodation are both based.