India’s Independence Day In The USA!
Originally posted on my other blog page - http://r-sharma.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
India’s Independence Day In The USA!
7 Aug 07 02:15:09 AM - 306 Views | comments rss: 
My Poetry In Prose!
Copyright © 2007 Ranjini Sharma All Rights Reserved
August 15th 1947 signaled the advent of a brand new democracy,
Freeing millions of Indians who were bound by British Bureaucracy.
“When the world sleeps,” Nehru said, wielding his pen and power,
“India will awake to life and freedom at stroke of the midnight hour.”
But America wasn’t asleep really, ‘cause it was only the noon hour,
American states received India’s news, fed by local radio towers!
Indians in America haven’t forgotten their homeland’s might & power,
To this day we celebrate August 15th with pomp, splendor and honor!
Sure, we cannot compete with Delhi’s commemorative traditions,
Who can beat the colorful parade at Red Fort’s annual celebrations?
But Independence Day’s celebration is not a worldwide competition,
Enthusiastic Indian Diaspora has never experienced lack of motivation!
Planning for August 15th starts very early in states around USA,
Organizers, artists, parents, kids and teens get together by early May.
A reminder through email usually gets the cultural ball rolling,
“Independence Day is coming,” it says, “Postpone all vacationing!”
Veteran Indians invite newcomers, encouraging them to participate,
Meetings, rehearsals & flyers formulated, aim to train & educate.
Moms and Dads tutor their kids for some last minute prim and polish,
If parents lack skills to train, then professionals are hired to burnish!
August 15th arrives fast; there’s frenzy in the Indian community,
Silks, jewelry, costumes, food are essentials for this great party!
Hopefully the crowd will respond to this grand event in its entirety,
Independence Day calls for flag hoisting, amidst sheer joy and gaiety!
Independence Day program starts by singing two National Anthems,
Star Spangled Banner and Jana Gana Mana are two melodious gems!
Nervous kids proficient in both lyrics, try their best to croon and sing,
Nothing to worry really, since the crowd always joins them in a wink!
Mahatma Gandhi’s name suddenly invokes apt attention and passion,
American crowd instantly recognizes this famous name in a fraction.
Nehru, Subhash, Rabindranath and Sarojini aren’t very far behind,
Speakers abound on this occasion to remember and nourish all minds.
Patriotic dancers, singers and musicians performing solo or in groups,
Keep the crowds engaged, while drama team assembles its troupes.
One such patriotic drama never seems to leave my foggy memory,
It was the sad story of Bhagat Singh & his struggle for India’s Aazaadi.
All the actors for this historic drama had practiced night and day,
Depicting Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice was not an easy part to play!
Culminating the brave warrior’s life was his execution by the British,
Actors tried to portray his punishment that hung his body to perish.
The tall actor portraying Bhagat Singh, was decked in traditional attire,
He had rendered Bhagat’s speech, expressing India’s heartfelt desire.
Time came for the final act with Bhagat’s trial and unfair prosecution,
Trial drew silence from a rapt audience, anxious about his execution!
A rope descended from the ceiling for the actor’s pretend execution,
But the dangling rope was just too short for this Bhagat’s suspension!
The flustered actor refused to make a mockery of this grave sacrifice,
So he tried in vain to pull the noose down, grabbing it tightly like vise.
The polite audience was trying its best to keep a straight poised face,
When out came a kid on the stage, to pour ketchup on Bhagat’s face!
Ketchup in place of blood should have been sprayed out backstage,
But this last comic scene never diminished the seriousness on stage!
Yes, sacrifices abound by those who fought for India’s independence,
Freedom has helped generations of Indians to relish its sweet essence.
So for the large Indian Diaspora in USA, Australia, Africa or England,
Celebrating August 15th transports them spiritually to Holy Motherland!
Copyright © 2007 Ranjini Sharma All Rights Reserved
Labels: bhagat singh, diaspora, India's Independence Day, India's Independence Day celebrations, Indian Americans, Indian diaspora, ranjini sharma
posted by Ranjini Sharma @ 3:42 PM
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