That day does not mean the same any more, Independence Day couldn’t translate beyond a national holiday. Of late, there are no speeches by principals reinstating the significance of patriotism nor a customary loud speaker that plays Lata Mangeshkar’s Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon .
The memories are vivid in Anjana, a HCU student who has outgrown the Independence Day nostalgia in school. “The day had me appreciating the atmosphere around, taught me to value my roots, and my identity.” Over the years, the flag has turned into another symbol. Attending a flag-hoisting event is not important for her; Independence Day is like any other regular day. At a time when student unions are on the verge of losing their autonomy, she says patriotism also means the right to question. “It’s a phase where student politics, pointing out the flaws of a nation are considered anti-national. For me Independence Day means the opportunity to say that something is wrong as well.”
What has been a positive change in recent years is the interest of youngsters in politics and their strong stance on current affairs.
Students have tried to go beyond token initiatives and instead focus on field work to make a change - Street Cause, HYA, Youngistaan are among those who utilised social media to make an impact. Students efforts to help kirana stores, chai walas tide over demonetisation a few months ago made an impression. Saketh Kothamasu, a student of TISS-Hyderabad feels the Independence Day is a reminder of one’s social responsibility. “I make it a point to spend August 15 with events at several homes, help the needy know that we’re there for them. I pray for the people around me and continue to be the same through the year,” he adds.
Independence Day or not, Ananya Mullapudi is among students who prefer to keep things simple. She states, “In a world that's not known to be kind always, I want to make it a better place with an act of kindness, even beyond August 15. The context of patriotism has definitely changed from the time I spent at school to now. It was compulsory and fun then, what's important is to keep the good work going through the year. There is propaganda now, but I seriously don’t mind the order of a national anthem being played at a theatre; standing up for it comes instinctively to me.”
