While I was strolling outside the mall today, I saw children selling flags. Their pitiable looks prompted me to buy some of them.  While holding the flag, I couldn’t resist myself from being  emotional......

Y es!!! My country is going to complete 69 years of independence. Once again, we would have to witness the annual rituals of Independence day. The flag hoisting ceremony, speech of the Prime Minister from the Red Fort, celebrations in schools, colleges, offices and other institutions. The exceptions would certainly enjoy 3 days of holiday this year. Yipppeeee!!!!

While returning home, I saw market places stuffed with hues of Independence Day celebrations. In my locality also, It was being announced: “ Jai Hind! Aap sabhi logon se nivedan hai ki dhawajarohan karyakaram kal subah 8 baje hoga jisme aapni upasthiti aapekshit hai”  In my thoughts, I decided to attend the function tomorrow and went on with my daily chores. I also murmured few songs of Independence day which I used to sing in my school days and felt a sense of satisfaction.

But somewhere in my mind the quote went on and on.........”Long time ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time has come when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.  At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”  These quotes strike me since beginning but on the eve of 69^th Independence Day, I think these quotes are still relevant.

These quotes are part of famous speech by our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the midnight hours of 14-15 August, 1947 in the Constituent Assembly. These bear great significance and relevance for the country where dynamic changes are going on and on everyday and India is undergoing transformation from old to new one.

 At the Ravi session of the Indian National Congress in 1929, “Poorna Swaraj” Declaration was announced. Here, Nehru was talking about transcending the pledge of attaining self-rule that was undertaken at The Ravi Session of INC on the banks of river Ravi. And yes......that pledge should not be forgotten. The “Youngistan” should take responsibility to redeem the pledge undertaken then.
 On this 69^th anniversary of Independence day, pledge should be undertaken that keeping up the glory of our past, we would strive endlessly to attain prosperity in the land so as to bring a smile on every face and a hope in each eyes. Long live our freedom!!! Jai Hind!!