Independence Day 2016

Niloufer Rassiwala leads the I-Day March around the Garden

With an string of gallantry medals glittering on his chest, Shekhawat today turned out in full Independence Day regalia and as per Big Laaf custom, saluted the national tricolour at the dot of eight. This brief but dramatic ceremony marked the beginning of today’s celebrations with Niloufer Rassiwala stepping up to lead the march around the Garden.
Over the years, the Independence Day (along with Republic Day) has come to occupy a special place in our Club calendar – not so much for the patriotic fervor but a sense of bonding it infuses among everyone in the Garden. This is one occasion when members and non-members – regulars and the not-so-regular, little children and the elderly, friends and strangers – all of them gather on a common platform under one banner in an expression of unity and solidarity. Today was no different.
This time though, the march past had to be curtailed to half owing to a slimy section

Shekhawat pulls off a smart naval salute

Refreshments for the participants

on the walking track (caused by stagnant rain water) in the outer reaches of the Garden.
Dilip Babani had brought the luddoos for refreshments that were to follow the march past and the singing of the national anthem. Earlier, tiny badges with the national emblem were distributed among the participants, thanks to our president, Mallika Kagzi. Unfortunately, she could not be present for the function today as she had to leave for Surat because of a medical emergency in the family.

Joint expression of unity and solidarity

Her absence robbed us of another thing. We had to do without tea.
We also missed the company of Siba Prasad Maitra, Karuna Waghmare, Geeta Latte – people who can be the life of any party or social gathering any time.
But that did not take away from the air of festivity, what with all the crazy pranks and practical jokes continuing non-stop, long after the march past was over.
The most touching moments though were when one after another, people posed solo with the national flag, eager to be photographed on their mobile phones. After all, how often do we get to hold aloft the Indian tricolor by ourselves?
That, by itself, is testimony to national pride -- something that effectively captured the spirit of India's 70th Independence Day celebration.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
August 15 is a historic date for us. In 1947, on this date, we achieved political independence. Those (like me) who were witness to the first Independence Day celebrations would know how costly the affair has been - in bloodshed and displacement of population. Economic and social independence is yet to be attained. We have to wait for these to happen. Till then, relax and enjoy whatever you have.