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AHMEDABAD
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2011

'YEH DIL HAI HINDUSTANI'

DNA profiles a few residents of the city who feel that saluting the Tricolour on Independence-Day is a splendid symbol of patriotism
remarkable change in the way events are conducted on these two occasions. Now, a flag hoistDoes Independence Day mean freedom from get- ing ceremony is just a function and there is no ting up early in the morning? Many of us may not enthusiasm among the people, he laments. have participated in a flag hoisting ceremony afThe lecturer feels that people are disillusioned ter finishing school and college and many even with the government for its alleged failure to solve think that it's not part of their duty to pay respect persistent problems and, as a result, are not atto the national flag. However, there are some for tending these functions. "People need to realise whom saluting the national flag is top priority on that there is no point in blaming the entire naAugust 15 and January 26. For them, these two tion for issues such as corruption, unemployment or any other reason. And not paying are vastly different holidays from the rest. Naresh Shukla, a senior lecturer at Gujarat Arts respect to the national flag is not a solution and Commerce College (Evening), has never to these problems," Shukla said. One more patriotic man is octogenarian missed a single occasion when it came to showing his gratitude to the nation. "These two days Manharlal Shukla, secretary of Majoor Magive you an opportunity to show your love for the hajan Sangh. He has missed only two Indecountry and pay respect to the national flag," says pendence Day functions on account of ill the 39-year-old Shukla who has been partici- health. However, the 97-year-old Gandhian will pating in hoisting ceremony since the age of three. not be able to salute the Tricolour this time round Shukla's father was a teacher who made it also as his hand is fractured. "My father has not compulsory for his children to attend the func- missed any occasion except for the last couple of tion from their childhood. Later on, it was adopt- years," said his daughter, Bharati. Anand Yagnik, a Gujarat high court advoed as a practice by him as he realised the importance of the day. In 36 years, Shukla has seen a cate has also been following the tradition of saluting the flag since 1975. "I was in Std 1 in Balbharti Vidyalay in Chamanpura when I saluted the national flag for the first time. Since then I have been attending Independence Day ceremonies at my school and have not missed even Naresh Shukla Manharlal Shukla one," says Yagnik.
Jitendra Dave Ahmedabad

What does I-Day mean to todays youth?

ith the evolving face of the youth of today, the insight levels of the young Indian is also increasing, and for the better. They believe that it is not the country that constitutes them but it is them who make this country. Independence, in its true sense, is not what one feels but what we make of it. The power lies in our hands, to shape this country's future in the 21st century.

Bapus charkha is a hot favourite, sales up by 33%

Visitors from home & abroad make a beeline for the spinning wheel at the Sabarmati Ashram
ahatma Gandhi's charkha is spinning its wheels across India and abroad like never before. The charkha or spinning wheel which is now an embodiment of India's independence movement, has seen a sharp rise in sales as visitors at Sabarmati Ashram are making a beeline for it during the past few years. At Sabarmati Ashram, dozens of people are involved in the art of assembling the charkha, which they have learnt by training over the years. According to Amrut Modi, secretary of Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and

The joy of being in united colurs of Freedom

Unity in diversity

Memorial Trust and the director of Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya that preserves Gandhi's heritage at the ashram, the device that spins fibre into yarn has seen a growth of 33% in sales in the last three years. "In 2010, we sold 8,000 charkhas to the visitors who came to see the ashram. In

2009, a total of 7,200 charkhas were sold while around 6,000 were sold in 2008," Modi said. He added, the buyers are visitors from across the country and abroad. He said that recent visitors who bought charkhas include scholars from Spain who were visiting the vicechancellor of Maharashtra University, and people who admire Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals. Three types of charkhas are sold at the Ashram, ranging in price from Rs100 to Rs300.
Satish Jha.DNA
Patriotism knows no limits

ON THE JOY OF BEING FREE AND INDEPENDENT...

Why is it that we feel very Indian only on August 15 or January 26? Why does the pride and patriotism towards our motherland only come out during an IndiaPakistan cricket match? Why does the sudden realisation of being Indian occur to us only when we watch a movie like Chak De India?.
Abhishek Modi, professional

I remember my school days when I used to get set early in the morning on Independence Day and sing patriotic songs after the flag hoisting ceremony. I also participated in skits with patriotic themes. But I admit that I also used to look forward to this day since it was also a holiday at school.
Aisha Dangi, student

On Independence Day, I will probably just spend some quality time at home with my family for me that is FREEDOM. I love looking at all the smiling faces around me, they make me happy too. I am just glad that the days when India was controlled by the British have long passed.
Annie Mukhya, entrepreneur

How often do we think about the sacrifice that has gone into obtaining this freedom that we are enjoying, other than while studying about it in school? Honestly, I dont. Independence to me means nothing. Feeling pride for my country on I-Day and Republic Day every year has become more a habit now.
Amit Saxena, professional

Living the way I want to, enjoying life as I want is what I attribute as freedom. What I have heard from people about those days of freedom struggle, has never made any difference to me because I am not a part of that time of history. But today I am glad things are moving towards development and growth.
Arshad Jamil, professional

It may be easy to say that India is the world's greatest democracy and yet not believe in it. It is however, very sad that we Indians still prefer to follow western trends and feel proud about it. We make our minds greatly dependent on western thinking and also make ourselves believe that we are modern.
Chhavi Manra, professor