Unity in Diversity, Gandhigiri in vicinity, Patriotism wearing
Tricolor clothes, Excitement of holding crisp Flags, Kavi Pradeepji's most famous composition "Ae Mere
Vatan ke Logon" repeating in tape recorders, followed by flag hoisting
by Society chairman or Honorable chief guest, some speeches to follow
under scorching sun or down pouring rain and last but offcourse not least
for Gujjus ~ Jalebi Fafda Gathiya Idlis and dhoklas with cultural
events in vicinity - Sumamrising here my entire childhood and teenage years of celebration of Independence Day and Republic Day!
With no time and efforts, this gets quickly replaced by lazy mornings and
enjoying one more holiday or some discount shopping or outing during corporate working years. In run for luxuries ~
many cultures, values, and grass roots somehow disappears without even
being noticed.
Coming to HK and being Entrepreneur thanks to "bhai" and
his venture "Mehta Investment" gave me an opportunity to connect back to
roots. Thanks to ample of time i have for "I, Me, Myself", which was rarity while being into
hectic field like Equity Research.
Recently, a thought that crossed my path while attending
73rd Independence Day celebration in Hong Kong hosted this time in
Bharat Bhavan in their Lawn under bright sky, with scorching sun but
enthusiasm at its peak... was...Where do we get lost as we grow up?...
where do we want to reach? why are we running so fast ? what is the
achievement or outcome of this rat race?
Thankfully few "Jadibootis" like meditations and yoga, company of right people in
surrounding and values granted during childhood years keeps you bit
grounded but heh! where are we heading?
#HumKisGalliJaaRaheHai
Not sure, when and how this puzzle can be solved. But for
now, to sum it up, patriotism catches peak when being in Hong Kong I get opportunity to connect with our base. It mounts highest especially on Indian National Days!
Watching Movie Swades and dropping a tear has become common phenomenon.
Watching movies like Gandhi and Sardar and Bose's documentary has suddenly topped the list instead of gluing to Netflix. Anyway some people will hate me to say that I am "ModiFied" but you never know :p it could be the primary reason of risen patriotism!
Thanks to such wonderful arrangements by Indian Counsulate across the
World that helps to re-connect Indians to India, where I truly belong to :)
p.s. there were some wonderful cultural events that are
prepared by Indian children in HK every year for these celebrations. I
don't know what feelings does it build in them but I know they learn
what they see and they are been shown wonderful, diversified, glorious culture of
India.
Here comes obvious photo clicks with honorable Dignitaries of Counsulate and glimpse of few cultural activities...Attended event with a doting Yoga Teacher, Mother of 2 lovely girls and Amazing person right from Rishikesh - Mansee Chandola :)
Also, this event marked 1 year completion of digital platform i am closely associated with - Hong Kong Desi. A gesture from die hard patriots for spreading India-ness among Indians especially NRI's!
https://hongkong-desi.com/73rd-independence-day-celebration-in-hong-kong/