Saare Jahan Se Accha .....

Bay area Indians organised a two day event this weekend to celebrate 58th India Independence Day.

Patriotism kicks in the most on 15th August and 26th January. When I came to know of the Independence Mela, I slipped in my white Kurta Pyjama and was ready to be the Indian again,I left back home.

There were a few good surprises at the function. I had to pay to celebrate my independence.There was an entry ticket.The Mela was more of a congregation of Realtors,Insurance Agents and Food stalls from local eateries.There was also a job fair for positions in India.A cultural program had kids dancing to the tunes of 'Kaanta Lagaa..' to 'Kesaria hain roop mahro...'. I was still roaming in the Mela to celebrate my independence.I was on the lookout for a Neta dressed in Khadi and a Topi giving a long loud speech at some corner but he was not there.I was also looking for a band belting out Saare Jahan se Accha ....even it was not there.Was it all about feasting on Chicken Tikka and Chola Bhatura with one hand and holding the tricolor in other?

I guess if not Indians,NRIs certainely have found an India where the head is held high and mind is without fear ...

I'm going to the Mela again tomorrow and filling out some applications for jobs in India.