Independence celebrations similar in Guyana and India

Dear Editor,
I was invited for ceremonies marking India’s 71st Independence in New Delhi, and what an experience it was, with a lot of similarities to independence celebrations in Guyana and America (among the Guyanese or Indian diaspora in the New York area).
As in America and Guyana, there was pomp, glittering shows, huge fervour and enthusiasm among the people marking the day. And as in Guyana, there was also revelry in the schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the days leading up to the holiday. Similar to Guyana, it was a day of national pride, patriotism, nationalism, processions, parades, flag hoisting, speeches by politicians, greetings, kite flying, and other fun-filled activities at public places.
As in the US, Indians displayed flags in front of their homes, and waved flags in their hands similar to what they do in the US or similar to Guyanese waving their country’s flags in America on May 26th and American flags on July 4.
India Independence Day is an annual observance, celebrated every year on 15th of August since 1947 – a day when India got freedom from British colonial rule after long years of slave-like subjugation. It was a freedom that would pave the way for independence of colonial territories worldwide, including Guyana’s freedom on May 26th, 1966. As in Guyana and the US, and for all countries, Independence Day is a national holiday (almost all businesses completely close down, except for restaurants, late shopping, public transport, and street fast foods). As in the US and Guyana, the national, state (regional) and local governments independently commemorate the independence of the country with their own activities, following that of the national ceremonies that took place early in the morning. The day is used to pay tribute and remember the many freedom fighters who contributed to the struggle for the independence of India, and to laud the country’s achievements as well as to address socio-economic concerns.
Not much different from Guyana, when the President addresses the nation at midnight, before independence at a public park on Independence Day. It is the custom for the Indian Prime Minister to address the nation at the ramparts (on top) of the iconic Red Fort early morning. As in Guyana, it is a highly patriotic speech, paying tribute to the freedom fighters and leaders of the Indian independence movement, who had sacrificed their lives. Similar to Guyana, where thousands show up at the park, in India, hundreds of thousands usually gather in front of the fort to listen to the PM. As in Guyana, the PM (President, in Guyana) hoists the national flag. The national anthem is sung, followed by a twenty-one-gun salute in a very solemn occasion. The prime minister usually highlights all the achievements of the past year, important social issues and solutions, further development in the country, educational matters, etc, during his speech on the Independence Day. And as in Guyana, a grand march past of the armed forces and paramilitary forces takes place.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, made his fourth appearance since becoming the PM (2014) delivering a well-received speech. He invoked the Quit India Movement (paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and others who led the freedom struggle), and urged the nation to use the same spirit as the freedom fighters to eliminate problems like corruption, communalism, terrorism, casteism, poverty, and other evils from the country by 2022. He appealed to Indians “to take a pledge to root out these evils from the country, and create a New India”. Modi-ji condemned the use of violence. The PM said: “India is about shanti (peace), ekta (unity) and sadbhavana (harmony). Casteism and communalism will not help the country. Our cultural heritage cannot be lost. Earlier, it was Quit India, now it is Unite India. Everybody should be taken along.”
The celebration of Independence Day continues with diverse cultural traditions, where Chief Ministers of individual states hoist the national flag followed by marches of state troops and local police or militias. The speeches of State Chief Ministers focused on eradicating poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, and to help make India a more powerful nation. This is followed by various cultural activities by the participants. And later in the afternoon, the President of India hosts a reception at his official home in the rose garden – only the cream of society are invited.
Around New Delhi, the capital, people were seen wearing their trademark cap worn by Pandit Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi and others during the struggle. Millions were dressed in colourful garb representing the colours of the national flag.
There were colourful marches of soldiers, police, and guards all over the national capital and each state capital as well, as shown on TV. And on the streets, school children marched dressed in colours of the national flag and spelling of Bharat, the ancient Hindi name of India.
As in Guyana, there were (live) broadcasting and webcasting of the celebrations. And as in Guyana or America, Independence Day in India is used for family get-togethers in the afternoons or evenings — dinner, picnic, mall shopping, cinema, kite flying, and other forms of entertainment.

Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram