Day 382

Independence Day. The morning began like any other and after a light drizzle, would have most likely ended on a dull note, were it not for Renu and Kishor Babani walking in midway through the exercises, a broad grin lighting up their faces and waving beautiful paper flags of the Indian tricolour.
As if on cue, the mood of the members changed instantly and with Kishor’s mobile belting out old patriotic numbers one after another, everybody seemed to be charged with renewed energy and vigour. It was extremely thoughtful of this Babani couple to have planned out the morning in this manner – having spent long hours selecting songs befitting the occasion and picking up the paper flags on their way to the Garden.
That was not all. At the behest of Srichand Arora, the suryanamaskar prayer was followed by the singing of the national anthem (above). Seeing us, the morning walkers stopped on their tracks and stood in attention. It was a touching moment and a wonderful way of ushering the I-Day celebrations in our little world.
Significantly, today also happens to be the birthday of Sadanand Pawar (right). He completes 64 years – the same age as the nation. What’s more, he happens to be one of counted eight Bombayites who were born at the very moment Jawaharlal Nehru had been making his historic Tryst With Destiny speech of August 14/15, 1947.
In other words, we have a “Midnight Child” amongst us. Our very best wishes to him.
Says RENU BABANI:
Yes, indeed our spirit lives on. Buying of the Indian flags was at the spur of the moment and it sure proved to be a beautiful morning. Certain members were absent. But those who attended and sang the national anthem with heart and soul showed that we are proud as Indians and all the walkers/ jogggers did turn and stop as a respect to the Flag that we held up high with pride. Jai Hind!
Says DILIP BABANI:
Wishing all Indians a Happy Independence Day. Indians are happy on this day because they got their own country. Children are also happy because they get Indian flags and sweets. Some children sing songs, especially Lata Mangeshkar's Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo. During this song, Chacha Nehru became so emotional that tears came to his eyes. Every Indian likes this song. Jai Hind!
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Very thoughtful gesture by Kishor and Renu Babani-ji to get flags in the morning. Nice words by Dilip-bhai. Let us all make this world a better place to live in, with small actions that inspire and rekindle patriotism amongst us. Vande Mataram!