Independence celebrations in India and Guyana

Dear Editor,
India celebrated her 69th Independence anniversary on August 15 in ceremonies held around the country. I was fortunate to observe the ceremonies in New Delhi this year, as indeed I had on several other Independence anniversaries while visiting India. And when not in Delhi for the occasion, I was often invited by Indian Embassy officials (in my capacity as a news reporter or Indian diaspora specialist or Indologist) for independence celebrations in New York or Guyana or Trinidad or wherever I find myself around that time of the year.
India’s Independence celebrations were quite a contrast from that held in Guyana to mark our country’s fiftieth anniversary. As in Guyana, there were very tight security arrangements for the grand celebrations in Delhi and indeed in every state capital. But unlike in Guyana, there was no exclusion from the mammoth ceremonies or festivities in India on account of party politics; every political party and foe were a part of the celebrations in India where there was so much zeal for freedom. There was so much nationalism on display in India, all regardless of ethnicity or party.
Unlike, say in Guyana, where there was so much partisanship, hate and spite during the Golden Jubilee celebrations last May, in India one can feel the patriotism, unity, harmony, and zeal in celebrating India’s Independence –virtually everyone supports the country’s independence and display pride in her achievements.
This was unlike in Guyana where people were excluded from independence celebrations on account of political affiliation or race, as was reported or commented in the media.
New Delhi’s Independence celebrations were indeed quite impressive, commemorating the birth of a free, secular and democratic India from British rule and where everyone was invited for participation, unlike in Guyana where there was selective participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the ramparts of Red Fort, once the bastion of power by the British Raj. There was a 21 gun salute. The national anthem was sung and one can feel goose bumps and emotions listening to the music; tears flowed. The Independence Day celebrations transcended caste, tribe and religion with citizens united in singing patriotic songs, remembering freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s independence that in turn set the stage for African and Caribbean countries including our own Guyana. No one was excluded and leaders of all parties came together in India for ceremonies quite unlike in Guyana where the opposition was excluded. The President of India also hosted a reception for all, unlike say in Guyana where only a selected few political leaders were treated with dignity and partook in the official banquet.
Modi-ji performed the ceremonial salute at Red Fort for the third time and delivered his address to the nation –the state of the nation, its achievements under the ruling coalition’s tenure, and the plan for the next year; the PM reiterated the government’s stand against violence and terrorism. The address was carried live on national TV and radio. I was at the Red Fort for the PM’s first address in 2014 and the reception later in the evening at the President’s home.
Unlike in Guyana, PM Modi had asked the nation for suggestions for themes and issues he needs to address in his freedom speech. And he used those ideas to speak to the nation. Modi announced a 20% increase in the pension of freedom fighters, and he also stated that the government will provide about US 00 (one lakh rupees) for medical costs for poor families. Modi also stressed the need for good governance. The latter concept has been missing in Guyana since independence, where corruption rues the day except during the tenure of Jagan.
As reported in the media, Chief Ministers of each of the 29 states, as well as the seven union territories across India, took the stage in their states and spoke to the people on aspirations, reforms, developmental goals, education, job creation, agriculture, flooding, infrastructure, good governance, and more. Some of the Chief Ministers announced awards for their citizens. India devolves power to the people and to the states. The parties in Guyana are opposed to people power and so celebrations are not decentralised like in India.
Patriotism was on display everywhere in India unlike in Guyana. There were marches of people that formed the beautiful tricolours of the Indian flag. One can feel love, amity and pride among Indians on this day for their 70th independence celebration; the same was not observed in Guyana were racial division runs deep. It was a day Indians revelled in glory. People took to various kinds of social activities with kite flying being the most popular one. Hundreds of thousands were seen at various parks in the capital. There was so much patriotism on display even at social events; tri-coloured kites, tri-coloured clothes, “Love India” slogans, flags of various sizes, jerseys, handkerchiefs, wrist bands, badges, stick bands, badges with the flag or India written on it, etc. Cars and other vehicles were also seen sporting miniatures of the national flag. In the mood of festivity, there were tri-coloured cakes and various mithais, including the popular burfi that is loved by Guyanese.
Every effort should be made to bring people together in Guyana in national festivals as is displayed in India. Politicians must bury their differences during national events and ceremonies. The President and PM must rise above partisanship.

Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram